More than 22,000 purple flags have been planted on Boston Common to memorialize the Massachusetts residents who died from overdoses over the last decade, as officials on Thursday recognized International Overdose Awareness Day and brought attention to the opioid epidemic.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 2,357 opioid-related overdose deaths across the Bay State last year, the highest-ever rate and 3% higher than 2021 overdose deaths. The larger purple flags planted on Boston Common represent the 2,357 people who died last year.
“22,000 flags. Each one represents a child, a parent, sibling or spouse taken by the overdose epidemic,” Gov. Maura Healey tweeted. “On Overdose Awareness Day, we recommit to reversing this heartbreaking trend and paving a path to recovery for everyone in need.”
Healey issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in Massachusetts. The commemorative flags, along with resource tables offering harm reduction, addiction prevention, and recovery support resources, will remain in place on the Common through Labor Day.
“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,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh said in a statement.
“And sadly, these overdose deaths have impacted communities of color at an even greater rate,” Walsh added.
Earlier this year, the Boston Public Health Commission issued a reminder to residents about the dangers of opioid use after new data revealed a 7% increase in fatal overdoses in Boston last year.
“Today, we grieve individuals who have lost their lives to overdose, honor the resiliency of their loved ones, and celebrate those who are in recovery,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. “Boston will do everything we can to support residents experiencing or surviving substance use disorder toward a path of recovery and prevent the tragedies of overdose wherever possible.”
Fentanyl was involved in more than 90% of opioid-related deaths in both the state and among Boston residents last year. The increasing presence of Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer known as “tranq,” in the drug supply also heightens the overdose risk due to its oversedation effects.
“The opioid epidemic has had a profound impact on our city. Every community and neighborhood in Boston has felt the pain of a fatal overdose,” said Bisola Ojikutu, commissioner of Public Health and executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We honor the lives tragically cut short by overdoses by continuing to provide critical lifesaving treatment and harm reduction to anyone who is struggling with substance use disorders.”
Boston EMS responded to 4,245 narcotic related incidents last year and administered Narcan to 2,181 patients.
