In a powerful and deeply meaningful observance of International Overdose Awareness Day, Institute for Health & Recovery staff joined over 100 volunteers early Friday morning, August 29, to plant more than 22,000 purple flags in remembrance of lives lost to overdose across Massachusetts.
Our staff’s participation was one piece of a larger, statewide tribute that brought together organizations, community members, and families to honor loved ones and raise awareness.
The event took on special significance as IHR volunteers honored our first annual Katharine Thomas Day of Service. Katharine’s legacy of compassion, leadership, and community service continues to inspire IHR. As IHR’s Executive Director from March 2022 to December 2024, Katherine played a pivotal role in developing programs that supported individuals and families affected by substance use disorder. This inaugural Day of Service carried her spirit forward—uniting community, honoring lives lost, and reaffirming our shared commitment to prevention, recovery, and support. Katharine’s family joined with IHR staff to volunteer in her memory.
“Overdose Awareness Day is a somber reminder of the hope and resilience that exists alongside the grief of losing a loved one to overdose,” reflected Governor Maura Healey in Boston’s commemoration, where leaders and loved ones gathered to remember and recommit to sustained action.
Our participation echoed that sentiment—not only as a moment of collective remembrance, but also as a call to continuous action through harm reduction, treatment access, and recovery support—values that IHR continues to champion.
About International Overdose Awareness Day
International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31) is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness of overdose and reducing stigma around substance use, while acknowledging the grief felt by communities and celebrating the resilience of those impacted. Across Massachusetts, including in Boston’s display on the Common, communities unite to honor those lost and reaffirm commitments to prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.
Looking Ahead
The Katharine Thomas Day of Service is now part of IHR. In addition to the more than 20 staff who volunteered in Katharine’s honor in Boston August 29, many more volunteered in Lowell, Springfield and other communities across the state. Other staff will volunteer on other days throughout the year for causes that align with IHR’s mission and values. Together, we continue building towards a future where every life is valued—and every loss spurs action, compassion, and healing.