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[Update: This story has been updated to make it clear that the flag display is on First Parish of Sudbury land, not Grange Hall land.]
Sudbury will mark International Overdose Awareness Day with a moving tribute and community event on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Grange Hall, 326 Concord Road.
Outside the hall, on the triangular piece of land owned by First Parish of Sudbury, residents will see a striking display of flags representing lives lost to fatal overdoses: 267 white flags for those in Middlesex County, and 1,496 purple flags for people across Massachusetts. Between July 2023 and June 2024 alone, the state recorded 1,763 opioid-related overdose deaths. Organizers say the display is meant to honor those lost while offering hope for healing and prevention.
The event, titled “One Big Family: Opioid Awareness Event 2025,” is hosted by the Sudbury Health Department. It will feature guest speakers, resource tables from local organizations, and free NARCAN (naloxone) training, giving residents hands-on tools to help save lives. Light refreshments will be served.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring donations for RISE Framingham’s Harm Reduction program, which supports people impacted by substance use. Items requested include:
- New socks and underwear
- Lightly used shoes and winter boots
- Non-perishable snacks such as protein bars, pretzels, or trail mix
In addition to raising awareness, the Health Department is seeking community input on how to use Sudbury’s remaining opioid settlement funds. Residents can share their perspectives in an anonymous survey, available at forms.gle/SfyZeEFTAqUxiMsW7.
For more information or to add the event to your calendar, visit the Town of Sudbury’s website.
[Feature Image: Town of Sudbury]