Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Community acknowledgement of the 2104 lost to an overdose during 2020 (photo essay)

I had been out on my daily walk, approaching the Town Common and saw folks putting out purple flags. Remembered that International Overdose Awareness Day - Aug 31 was going to be celebrated with a vigil and prayers here later today. As I got closer I recognized Jim Derick and asked if he needed a hand. He did and pointed me to the box of flags.

I got busy spreading them out.

2104. Two thousand, one hundred and four.

Say that slowly. Let the number sink in. That is the number of MA residents who left us during 2020 due to an overdose. Recall a couple of years ago, the prevalence of the #2069 signs. While there is more help available today, the struggle is real.


I did go back to the Town Common for 6:30 PM

Jen Knight-Levine and Jim Derick opened the gathering welcoming the 70-80 folks who showed up.

Jen Knight-Levine and Jim Derick opened the gathering welcoming the 70-80 folks who showed up
Jen Knight-Levine and Jim Derick opened the gathering welcoming the 70-80 folks who showed up


Rev Kathy McAdams and Rev Eric Cherry provided a moment of reflection

Rev Kathy McAdams and Rev Eric Cherry jointly provided a moment of reflection
Rev Kathy McAdams and Rev Eric Cherry jointly provided a moment of reflection

Kathy Truitt told the story of her and her son's struggles and how it empowers her to this day.

Kathy Truitt told the story of her and her son's struggles
Kathy Truitt told the story of her and her son's struggles

The group took a brief candle light walk on the Common to the Veterans Walkway for a final prayer.

a brief candle light walk on the Common to the Veterans Walkway for a final prayer
a brief candle light walk on the Common to the Veterans Walkway for a final prayer

For me, the one photo that tells the story of the evening and the constant struggle.

the one photo that tells the story of the evening and the constant struggle
the one photo that tells the story of the evening and the constant struggle


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