Event marks International Overdose Awareness Day

On Aug. 29, SAFE Coalition will hold flag placing events in area towns to remember community members lost to overdose and mark International Overdose Awareness Day.

The public events will take place Sat., Aug. 29, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Medway Town Hall and Millis Town Hall. Simultaneous events will take place in Franklin, Norfolk, and Wrentham.

Anyone can attend and plant flags, a powerful gesture that helps show support and dismantle the stigma and isolation of overdose loss. Those interested can sign up at safecoalitionma.org/ioad.

The annual event arrives amid news that the state experienced a 27 percent drop in opioid-related deaths in 2025 from the previous year. It is also the first time the annual total has fallen below 1,000 since 2013, with an estimated total of 978 deaths, according to the state Department of Public Health. Fatal opioid overdoses have declined nearly 60 percent since a record high of 2,364 deaths in 2022.

“The news of the fatal overdose decrease in Massachusetts signifies real progress,” said Jen Levine, SAFE’s chief executive officer and co-founder. “It gives us hope, but it doesn’t mean our work is finished. Every flag placed is a reminder that we are far from done.”

Levine said the flag placings also give a place to gather to families, neighbors and anyone affected by addiction. 

“Right now, we have the privilege of joining our community in remembering those we’ve lost to the disease of addiction,” she said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to stand with those impacted and honor their experience.”

International Overdose Awareness Day, established in 2001, is a worldwide event held each year to remember those who have died or suffered because of overdose and to reduce the stigma associated with drug-related deaths. Thousands of communities are expected to participate this year. The 2025 theme, “25 years on. Still needed,” reflects the idea that overdose continues to affect every community, but that speaking openly and treating each other with care can help reduce the number of lives lost.

Massachusetts’ declining fatal overdose number reflects the value of SAFE’s work in the community. Founded in 2015 as a community response to the opioid crisis, SAFE provides free, judgment-free support for substance use and mental health concerns through support groups, educational courses, community and school events, family services, counseling, Narcan training and more. 

For more information or to volunteer, visit safecoalitionma.org/ioad.

Submitted by SAFE Coalition