Needham, MA – On Thursday, August 31st, from 6:30pm – 7:10pm, a vigil will be held to observe International Overdose Awareness Day at the gazebo at Memorial Park, 92 Rosemary Street. International Overdose Awareness Day is an opportunity to remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Needham’s observance will include speakers, a memorial flag display, and the distribution of informational materials to support community members facing substance use challenges. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome.

Speakers at the vigil will share personal stories of recovery, and loss, meant to inspire action, reduce stigma, and open hearts and minds to facts about substance use disorders (SUD) – the first and foremost being that SUD is not a moral failing. Actually, substance use disorder is a chronic brain disease that is often created or exacerbated by mental illness, genetic factors, and/or childhood trauma.

At the vigil, we will remember the 2,357 people from Massachusetts, and the nearly 110,000 in the United States, whose lives were lost to overdose in 2022. In addition to those who were struggling with a substance use disorder, we remember individuals who have lost their lives to fentanyl poisonings from fake prescription pills often purchased online.

A flag display commemorating the 2,357 fatal overdoses in Massachusetts will be visible at Memorial Park in Needham from August 24 until the morning of September 7. All are welcome to visit the display. Red flags will be available to add to the display with a lost loved ones name.

This observance of International Overdose Awareness Day has been made possible through the collaboration of the Becca Schmill Foundation, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham, Needham Interfaith Clergy Association, Needham Police Department, Needham Public Health Division and Substance Prevention Alliance of Needham (SPAN), and Needham Youth & Family Services.