In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day on Wednesday, August 31, and Recovery Month in September, the City of Somerville will plant 15 purple flags on the City Hall lawn in memory of the 15 Somerville residents who died of an opioid-related overdose in 2021. A larger flag will also be on display in recognition of all Somerville residents who have died of an overdose. City Hall will be illuminated with purple lights through September to bring awareness to Recovery Month.

International Overdose Awareness Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma of overdose, and Recovery Month is observed nationally to promote evidence-based recovery practices. Here are some ways Somerville residents can take action and show support:

• Pick up free Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and more resources at a distribution event: 

• Wednesday, August 31, at City Hall, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

• Thursday, September 15, Union Square Plaza, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

• Friday, September 30, Foss Park (corner of Broadway and McGrath), 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

• Attend a virtual Overdose Prevention Training to learn how to prevent, recognize, and respond to an opioid overdose. The next session is Tuesday, September 6, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at bit.ly/odprevention22. To schedule a training at a different time, email Matt Mitchell, Prevention Services Manager, at mmitchell@somervillema.gov. 

• Read the Fenway Health report about opening a supervised consumption site in Somerville and stay tuned for opportunities to engage with that process.  

• Wear purple or display purple lights, ribbons, or flags. 

• Follow Somerville Prevention on Instagram (@somervilleprevention) for information on overdose prevention, upcoming overdose prevention training opportunities, and other educational resources, and consider sharing the content to promote awareness and educate community members. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 ext. 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.