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.
 |
Reminder: Community Vigils for International
Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) - August 31, 2025 |
“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.
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.
