Purple flags at Newton-Wellesley Hospital a poignant reminder of the opioid crisis

The front lawn of Newton-Wellesley Hospital last week was filled with thousands of purple flags, the 5th annual display placed in remembrance of those who died in Massachusetts of opioid overdoses in 2023.

The installation, along with one in Natick, is sponsored by SOAR Natick (Supporting Outreach and Addiction Recovery). The flags will also be installed for a week at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in starting Sept. 28.

The flag display is part of ongoing efforts to raise awareness and combat the stigma associated with substance use disorders. This year’s display featured 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.”

The lawn also featured 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 nwh.org/SUS.

Communities throughout the state give over prominent areas every year to the purple flags project. Nearby Natick put up a display on the front lawn of the First Congregational Church of Natick earlier this month.