Each September, communities across the country recognize National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength of those in recovery, increase awareness of substance use recovery, remember the lives lost to substance use and overdose, and remind individuals and families that support is available.
Here in Holliston, the Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC) is recognizing Recovery Month through several community initiatives focused on remembrance, hope, connection, and recovery.
358 Purple Flags: A Symbol of Hope and Remembrance
Community members may notice 358 purple flags displayed on the lawn of the First Congregational Church. Each flag represents one of the 358 fewer opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts in 2025 compared with 2024. Opioid-related overdose deaths declined from 1,336 in 2024 to 978 in 2025.
This progress gives us hope that prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery efforts are making a difference. At the same time, 978 lives were still lost last year. Behind every number is a person, a family, a friend, and a community forever impacted.
The flags represent both sides of that story: hope for the lives being saved and remembrance of the lives still being lost. They also remind us that there is more work to do to prevent overdose and ensure that people affected by substance use have access to support and opportunities for recovery.
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Honoring Those We’ve Lost
Throughout Recovery Month, HDAAC is inviting community members to help us honor those whose lives have been lost to substance use and overdose. Families and friends are welcome to share a loved one’s name, photo, or story with HDAAC. These submissions will help us thoughtfully recognize members of our community through future remembrance efforts and activities.
To honor someone, visit: forms.gle/vi7hW8ACqZzF5q6Q9
Coming Together for Recovery
On Tuesday, September 23 at 6:30 PM, community members are invited to an Interfaith Recovery Service at the Fatima Shrine. The service provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, support individuals and families affected by substance use, honor those we have lost, and recognize the hope and strength found in recovery. No registration is required, and refreshments will be served.
Supporting Recovery Year-Round
While Recovery Month provides an important opportunity to raise awareness, Holliston’s work continues throughout the year. Since July 2024, opioid settlement dollars have helped fund local prevention, harm reduction, remembrance, and recovery initiatives through HDAAC and Holliston Youth & Family Services.
This includes the Community Action Fund (CAF), which provides financial assistance to Holliston residents and families affected by opioid use. Funding can help address barriers to recovery such as housing, sober living, transportation to treatment, legal services, and other needs.
Looking ahead, HDAAC hopes to continue strengthening local recovery supports while providing more opportunities to hear directly from residents impacted by the opioid crisis. Community members can always learn more about our opioid initiatives and share feedback at HDAAC.org
National Recovery Month reminds us that recovery is possible, support matters, and communities have an important role to play. Whether you are in recovery, supporting a loved one, remembering someone you have lost, or simply want to help create a healthier Holliston, there is a place for you in this effort.
This September, we invite our community to join us in remembering those we have lost, celebrating those in recovery, and supporting individuals and families affected by substance use, not only during Recovery Month, but throughout the year.
Connect with us at moreauz@holliston.k12.ma.us or winerj@holliston.k12.ma.us.