20,000 purple flags on Boston Common mark International Overdose Awareness Day

By Jordyn Jagolinzer, WBZ-TV

BOSTON - Twenty thousand flags were planted on Boston Common Monday to remember those who lost their lives to the opioid epidemic.

The flags creating a sea of purple honoring the lives lost over the past decade while serving as a beacon of hope for those still struggling. 

Lissette Santos from Roxbury planted two flags for her brother and her sister-in-law. "My brother's loss hurt me so bad I became an addict. Her loss actually helped me to learn how to love myself," she said. 

Now she is clean but her family struggles with the loss of their loved ones. Her niece is now without both her parents. Santos saying, "that's all she had." 

Honoring them is important to her and Danielle O'Brien-Lydon from the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, who coordinated the event. 

"It's a combination of raising awareness to the opioid epidemic, as well as to honor the lives lost," said O'Brien-Lydon. 

Governor Baker attended Monday's event. His administration issued a proclamation declaring August 31 as Overdose Awareness Day in the state. 

O'Brien-Lydon said, "The proclamation that Governor Baker and Marylou Sudders made today was dedicated to a family who lost a loved one and families found healing and connection in doing this together here today." 

Katlin Johnson says the support means a lot to her as she started using at a very young age. "I prayed every day for someone to help me," Johnson said. 

Addiction runs in her family but losing her cousin pushed her to get clean. Now she does outreach in hopes of saving other lives.
"People like to keep it a secret or are embarrassed and it's nothing to be embarrassed about because we're not bad people we're sick," Johnson said. 

Santos reminds the community everyone can get clean. "You can be in recovery," she said. 

The end goal is one day there will be no need for any flags to be planted. 

Through Thursday visitors can come to the Common from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. where resource tables will be available with information about treatment in the state. 

Several state bridges and buildings will also be lit up in purple Monday night. You can find more planned events and vigils here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, visit helplinema.org or call 800-327-5050.