If there is one thing that most Somerville residents can agree on it’s the importance of supporting initiatives that help solve the problem of addiction and recovery in our community and others.

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on Saturday, August 31, and National Recovery Month in September, advocates and officials in Somerville have united in their call for Somervillians to observe both events in a few simple but powerful ways. From displaying purple lights and ribbons to attending vigils and events, residents can send a message of support and hope for recovery.

A Memorial Gathering and Overdose Awareness Ceremony will be held on Thursday, August 29, at City Hall. Attendees will be given 77 purple flags to place in memory of the 77 Somerville residents lost to overdose since 2014 and 1 larger flag for all those lost in previous years. On behalf of the community, City Hall will also be lit with purple light after the ceremony and will remain so for the week of Thursday, August 29, to Friday, September 6, to remember those who we have lost and help raise awareness that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the City Council will pronounce that the City of Somerville is observing International Overdose Awareness Day and National Recovery Month. In declaring September Recovery Month, we will recognize that we as a community, in addition to honoring lives lost, must also pull together to focus on supporting the efforts of and assisting people in recovery. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers, on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 93 Highland Ave.

Going purple is one way we can all share in the effort to make a difference in the struggle to curb addiction and support those in recovery. Let’s all join in.