Free Narcan, Flag Planting Part Of City's Overdose Awareness Day

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city of Somerville will plant 14 purple flags on the lawn of City Hall Aug. 31 in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

The flags will honor Somerville residents who died of an opioid-related overdose in 2020. A larger flag will also be on display, and City Hall will be lit with purple lights through September to bring awareness to Recovery Month.

These are some ways that residents can get involved with International Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month:

• Health and Human Services staff will be tabling in front of City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, on August 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. to distribute free Narcan and share information and resources related to substance misuse prevention.
• Residents can display purple lights, ribbons, or flags at their homes, wear purple, etc. to mark International Overdose Awareness Day and Recovery Month.
• Follow the Somerville Prevention Instagram page (@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.