BOSTON – August 31, 2026 | Boston Medical Center (BMC) joined the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Boston Public Health Commission, and Governor Maura Healey on Boston Common to observe International Overdose Awareness Day. Together, they planted more than 20,000 purple flags in memory of those who have died from overdose in Massachusetts over the last decade.
More than 20,000 purple flags were planted on Boston Common in memory of those lost to overdose in Massachusetts over the past decade.
The observance comes as Massachusetts reports significant progress in reducing fatal opioid overdoses. According to preliminary 2025 data from DPH, there were 978 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths among Massachusetts residents—a 27% decline from 2024 and the first annual total below 1,000 since 2013. The figure also represents a nearly 60% decrease from the record high recorded in 2022.
Governor Maura Healey speaks to the crowd about the shared commitment of state and city government and local institutions to address the opioid epidemic.
“The significant decline in overdose deaths across Massachusetts shows that expanding access to evidence-based treatment and harm reduction can save lives,” said Miriam Komaromy, MD, medical director of BMC’s Grayken Center for Addiction. “This progress offers hope, but every death is a profound loss and a reminder that we must continue working to ensure people can access the care and support they need.”
“Behind every flag is a person whose life mattered and a family and community forever changed by their loss,” said Eilene Grayken, who, with her husband John Grayken, helped establish the Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center in 2017 through a generous philanthropic gift. “As we honor their memories, we must continue building a future in which no one faces addiction with shame and everyone has access to compassionate, effective treatment and the opportunity for recovery.”
The public is welcome to view the flags, honor someone lost to overdose by placing a sticker on a flag, or decorate a heart to take as a remembrance. Flags will be on display until September 3rd. Information and resources on overdose prevention, naloxone access, treatment access addiction, support and resources will also be available on site.
If you, or someone you know, need resources for harm reduction, treatment, or recovery, call the Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline at 1-800-327-5050, available 24/7. To learn more about Massachusetts' efforts to reduce addiction and prevent stigma, visit mass.gov/opioids.
About Boston Medical Center Health System
Boston Medical Center Health System is an integrated academic healthcare system that models a new kind of excellence in healthcare where clinical and operational innovation meets health equity and access. BMC Health System is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and access to care, partnering with our communities, and developing scalable approaches to restore and maintain health. With more than 15,000 dedicated employees, BMC Health System includes our founding academic medical center, Boston Medical Center, two hospitals in the community, BMC Brighton and BMC South, WellSense Health Plan, and other health-enhancing entities serving patients and health plan members across New England and beyond.