SAFE Commemorates Overdose Awareness Day with Community Vigils - Aug 31, 2025

WHAT: Public vigils 

DATE: Sunday, August 31

TIME: 5:00–6:00 PM

LOCATIONS: 

• Franklin Town Common

• Wrentham Town Common

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) will be marked this year in Franklin and Wrentham with community vigils from 5–6 PM on August 31 at Franklin Town Common and Wrentham Town Common. Additionally, SAFE Coalition will work with community members to plant memorial flag displays in Franklin, Wrentham, Norfolk, and Medway. This annual event is intended to end overdose, remember those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of those left behind. 

The vigils are hosted by SAFE Coalition, a local nonprofit committed to inclusive and judgement-free support for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and family support. 

SAFE Commemorates Overdose Awareness Day

“Each year, we have the privilege to come together as a community and remember those we’ve lost to the disease of addiction,” said Jen Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE. “It’s important to place the flags and hold these vigils because they create a space to meet, talk, and be with others who have felt similar losses.”

Massachusetts experienced 1,763 fatal overdoses in the last year, and more than 80,391 people died from overdose nationwide (Massachusetts Department of Health). Each loss sends ripples of grief through families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods.

This year, thousands of communities worldwide will participate in IOAD, a time to honor those who have died or suffered due to overdose. Established in 2001, IOAD seeks to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, remember those who died of overdose, and create change that reduces the harms associated with drug use. 

Community Vigils - Aug 31, 2025

The theme of IOAD 2025 is “One Big Family, Driven by Hope.” It reflects the idea that while overdose fractures families and communities, it also reveals how deeply connected everyone is and the power of showing up for one another. Participate in the global day of acknowledgment using the hashtags #OneBigFamily #DrivenByHope #IOAD2025 #EndOverdose

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. 

SAFE is seeking volunteers to help plant and remove memorial flags for IOAD. Visit https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ioad to sign up and learn more.