WHAT: Public vigil

DATE: Saturday, Aug. 31

TIME: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

PLACE: Franklin Town Common

 

FRANKLIN, Mass.—International Overdose Awareness Day will be marked this year in Franklin with a community vigil from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 31 at Franklin Town Common. This annual event is intended to end overdose, remember those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of those left behind.

The vigil is hosted by SAFE Coalition, a local nonprofit committed to inclusive and judgement-free support for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and family support. SAFE and volunteers will also place memorial flags in Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham.

Jennifer Knight-Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE, says commemoration like IOAD is not just for those whose lives have been touched by overdose, but the entire community. “Losing a loved one to addiction can be isolating and deeply painful,” says Knight-Levine. “Coming together and building community with those who have felt a similar loss leaves everyone with a greater sense of connection and purpose.”

The threat of overdose is both serious and urgent. Massachusetts experienced 2,125 fatal overdoses in 2023, making the state 15th in the nation for overdose deaths, according to the state’s Department of Health. The Center for Disease Control reports over 107,000 people died nationwide from overdose in 2023.

According to Knight-Levine, the need for awareness-raising events like IOAD is more important than ever. “The opioid epidemic has dramatically changed how we think about prescribing practices, family medication history, and the power and role of pharmaceutical companies,” says Knight-Levine. “But it has most directly broken families and torn apart communities. This vigil is really a community formed to honor and remember those who have passed from an overdose.”

This year, thousands of communities worldwide will participate in IOAD, which was established in 2001. The theme of IOAD 2024 is “Together We Can,” highlighting the power of our community when we all stand together. Those wishing to volunteer with SAFE to place flags or help with the vigils can email [email protected] People can also participate by using the hashtags #TogetherWeCan #IOAD2024 #EndOverdose.

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. To learn more about SAFE’s offerings or volunteer, visit the SAFE website.