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

NEWTON, MA – The front lawn of Newton-Wellesley Hospital is once again adorned with thousands of purple flags, in remembrance of those who died in Massachusetts of opioid overdoses in 2022.

Earlier this month, colleagues and community members gathered for the hospital’s 4th 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 2,357 flags – up 2.5% from the year prior. “This is one of our most important and impactful events each year,” said president and COO Ellen Moloney. “It is a privilege to share this space and help bring more awareness to substance use disorder and the enormous impact it has on the family and friends we hold dear - and our community as a whole.”

Moloney was among speakers who also included Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan, Meaghan Langlois from the Boston Bulldogs Recovery Running Club, and members of SOAR Natick - a support group for parents with children suffering from opioid addiction.

“When we look at those flags, it can feel like it’s an uphill battle. I’ve been working with people in this crowd for well over a decade on this problem,” said Ryan.

But the district attorney praised Newton-Wellesley, noting the significant progress the community has made in increasing access to care and reducing stigmas related to substance use disorder. “Here in Middlesex County, it is a tragedy anytime someone loses their life. Yet, we just ran our year-to-date statistics here in Middlesex County yesterday, and we are down 16% from last year. That bucks the trend, and it is because of our partnerships. That gives me hope,” she said.

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.

“SOAR Natick would like to recognize Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s efforts to help end this epidemic. We are proud to share this display here. And are proud of the work that’s being done at the hospital,” said Eileen Hennessey of SOAR Natick.

Newton-Wellesley’s Substance Use Services team, which organized the event, is committed to raising awareness of critical treatment and recovery support services. 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 nwh.org/SUS. Newton-Wellesley is continuing to recognize September as National Recovery Month, hosting informational events on the neuroscience of addiction and caring for those with the disorder.