More than 22,000 purple flags have been planted on Boston Common to memorialize the Massachusetts residents who died from overdoses over the past decade, as officers on Thursday acknowledged International Overdose Awareness Day and introduced consideration to the opioid epidemic.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 2,357 opioid-related overdose deaths throughout the Bay State final 12 months, the highest-ever price and three% larger than 2021 overdose deaths. The bigger purple flags planted on Boston Common symbolize the two,357 individuals who died final 12 months.
“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, together with useful resource tables providing hurt discount, dependancy prevention, and restoration assist sources, will stay in place on the Common by means of 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 mentioned in an announcement.
“And sadly, these overdose deaths have impacted communities of color at an even greater rate,” Walsh added.
Earlier this 12 months, the Boston Public Health Commission issued a reminder to residents concerning the risks of opioid use after new information revealed a 7% enhance in deadly overdoses in Boston final 12 months.
“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 mentioned in an announcement. “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 concerned in additional than 90% of opioid-related deaths in each the state and amongst Boston residents final 12 months. The growing presence of Xylazine, an animal tranquilizer often known as “tranq,” within the drug provide additionally heightens the overdose threat as a result of its oversedation results.
“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,” mentioned Bisola Ojikutu, commissioner of Public Health and government 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 associated incidents final 12 months and administered Narcan to 2,181 sufferers.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”