IPSWICH — The Ipswich Public Health Department is recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day by remembering those lost to overdose and sharing resources available to help residents prevent and respond to overdoses.
International Overdose Awareness Day is observed annually on Aug. 31. It is the world’s largest campaign to end overdose, remember the lives lost, acknowledge the grief of their families and friends, and raise awareness about overdose prevention.
There were 978 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths among Massachusetts residents in 2025, according to preliminary data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, the Public Health Department will join Essex County Outreach and Ipswich Aware on Monday, Aug. 31, at 6 p.m. to plant 978 purple flags at Immanuel Baptist Church, 45 Central St. Each flag will represent a life lost to an opioid-related overdose in Massachusetts in 2025.
Community members are welcome to participate and should arrive at 6 p.m.
“Each of these 978 flags represents a person whose loss is felt by family members, friends, and communities across Massachusetts,” said Public Health Director Colleen Fermon. “International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those we have lost, but it is also an opportunity to make sure people know that help and resources are available. We encourage residents to learn how to recognize an overdose, carry naloxone, and know how to use it. Those simple steps can save a life.”
The Ipswich Public Health Department also reminds residents of several free overdose prevention and harm-reduction resources available in the community.
The North Shore Health Project’s ONE STOP Harm Reduction Program, Ipswich’s syringe services provider, offers free and confidential access to naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and education on recognizing and reversing an opioid overdose. Residents can call or text ONE STOP’s confidential line at 978-949-2800.
Free naloxone is also available through the Town’s Overdose Response Cabinets. Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, is a medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
The cabinets are available at:
- Hall-Haskell House, 36 South Main St., at the restroom.
- Ipswich Public Library, 25 North Main St., by the elevator on each floor.
- Ipswich Town Hall, 25 Green St., by the AED on each floor.
- Ipswich Fire Department Central Station, 55 Central St., outdoors on the Manning Street side of the building.
- Linebrook Fire Station, 330 Linebrook Road, outdoors on the Linebrook Road side of the building.
Naloxone from the cabinets may be used by a bystander during an overdose emergency. Residents may also take naloxone to keep at home or in their vehicle so it is available if needed.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has also released a new resource, “Take Steps to Lower Your Overdose Risk,” which provides practical information for people who use drugs about reducing the risk of overdose. The guidance includes information about fentanyl, changes in drug tolerance, the risks of mixing substances, carrying naloxone, and steps people can take to avoid using drugs alone.
For more information about naloxone and substance use resources available in Ipswich, visit the Public Health Department’s webpage.
For more information about Ipswich Aware, visit the nonprofit’s website.
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