Photo: Courtesy of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Boston Common was transformed into a sea of purple Thursday to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.
“Overdose Awareness Day serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost, families torn apart, and communities devastated by the scourge of opioids,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “Our Commonwealth remains unrelenting in its determination to find effective solutions to substance use disorders, provide support to those affected, and save lives. We will not let up until we bring an end to this devastating epidemic.”
During a ceremony on the Common, Governor Healey issued a proclamation, marking Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in the Commonwealth. More than 22,000 flags were planted, each flag representing a Massachusetts resident who lost their life to an overdose in the last 10 years. There are also 2,357 larger purple flags scattered throughout, these represent Massachusetts residents who died in the last year alone. The flags will remain on the Common through Sept. 4.
“The purple flags on the Boston Common and in cities and towns across Massachusetts are stark and poignant reminders that behind each flag – behind each overdose death – is a person who once lived, who was part of a family, part of a community, a friend, a colleague,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. “And sadly, these overdose deaths have impacted communities of color at an even greater rate. As we continue to push back against substance-related deaths we also must push forward toward equity, healing, recovery, and a brighter future for those who struggle with addiction and for those who love and care about them.”
Apart from the flags, many of the public landmarks, buildings and bridges across the state will light up with a purple hue Thursday evening.
“While the numbers of overdose deaths have not been going in the right direction, Overdose Awareness Day serves to unite communities in a meaningful and powerful way, and inspires us to keep fighting for recovery, for equity, for life,” said Director of Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Deirdre Calvert “There is a saying, ’The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is now.’ For those who are struggling with substance use disorders, now is the best time to start the healing and recovery process. There is a lot of help and support available.”
In 2022, 2,357 Massachusetts residents lost their lives to the epidemic. That's a 9 percent increase from the pre-pandemic high, recorded in 2016. The stark increase in deaths isn't just happening locally, but nationwide.
“While opioids were intended to offer relief from pain and suffering, today for many families, opioids symbolize the opposite – a source of unthinkable pain and heartbreak,” said DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “Overdose deaths, however, represent only a piece of the story. The number of nonfatal overdoses has been a missing chapter in the overall narrative. We are now compiling these data, and they too present a bleak picture. Yet, each close call offers a chance to rewrite a story and recapture a future still within reach.”
DPH has been compiling data on nonfatal overdoses between 2014 and 2020, based on their geographical location. The agency has found more than 111,000 nonfatal overdoses in the six year period. DPH said the data suggests "that for every one fatal overdose there are an estimated 12 nonfatal overdoses." Unfortunately officials say this number is likely much higher, as access to naloxone kits is expanded in the state.
Earlier this week, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announced they would be footing the bill for over-the-counter, non-prescription Narcan. Meantime, Walgreens also announced Narcan would be available on the shelves without a prescription starting September.
“We are committed to educating and making it easier for all Americans to have this life-saving medicine available in their first aid kits in case of an emergency,” said Kevin Ban, M.D. executive vice president and Walgreens chief medical officer. “We all must recognize that overdoses can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background or other factors. As a leading healthcare company, providing access to OTC naloxone creates an opportunity for bystanders, friends and family members to potentially save a life. In the event of an overdose, every second matters.”
September marks Recovery Month, an annual observance to raise awareness, provide support, and hope for those recovering from substance abuse disorders.
If you, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or colleague is struggling with substance use, please call the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at 800-327-5050, or visit https://helplinema.org/
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