Newton-Wellesley Hospital Hosts Purple Flag Display in Remembrance of Opioid Overdoses

NEWTON, MA – September is ‘National Recovery Month’ and the front lawn of Newton-Wellesley Hospital is once again filled with thousands of purple flags, in remembrance of those who died in Massachusetts of opioid overdoses in 2023.

On Wednesday, colleagues and community members gathered for the hospital’s 5th annual Purple Flag Ceremony, as part of Newton-Wellesley’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with substance use disorders. This year’s display features 2,125 flags – down from a record-setting 2,357 in 2022.

“We often don’t hear about these losses individually, but taken together, we can plainly see the scope of tragedy and loss endured by families, loved ones, and communities,” said president and chief operating officer Ellen Moloney. “While we are encouraged that this number is down slightly from a year ago, it still represents far too many lives taken.”

“It is our hope that this ceremony and flag display will help our community understand the full breadth of the challenge we are facing and bring some solace and comfort to so many in our community who have been personally touched by the opioid epidemic,” she said.

Newton-Wellesley’s Substance Use Services team, which organized the event, is committed to raising awareness of critical treatment and recovery support services.

“We want to ensure that everyone understands that there are resources available – at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, across Mass General Brigham, and throughout our community – for those who need support to begin or continue their recovery,” said program co-founder Dr. Antje Barreveld, medical director of pain management services at Newton-Wellesley.

Moloney and Dr. Barreveld were among speakers who also included Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and members of SOAR Natick - a support group for parents with children suffering from opioid addiction.

The lawn also features dozens of red flags, placed by those who have lost someone to the opioid epidemic, have struggled with substance use disorder, or simply feel inspired to participate in support of the cause.

To learn about addiction resources or schedule a substance use consultation, please call Newton-Wellesley’s Substance Use Services at 617-243-6062 or visit our Substance Use Treatment Service.