To the editor:

Each year on Aug. 31, communities around the world observe International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember those who have died from overdose, support the families and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to prevention and harm reduction.

This year, the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition will once again place a display of flags outside Portsmouth Town Hall. Each flag represents a person in Rhode Island who has lost their life to an overdose this year. While the display is simple, the message is powerful: Behind every flag is a son or daughter, a parent, a sibling, a friend, a neighbor or a loved one whose life mattered.

Similar displays will also be placed outside Tiverton Town Hall by the Tiverton Prevention Coalition and at Pike’s Peak in Little Compton by the Little Compton Prevention Coalition. Together, these displays across our communities serve as a visible reminder of the lives impacted by overdose throughout Rhode Island and the importance of continuing our collective efforts toward prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery.

Overdose does not discriminate. It affects people from every background, every age and every community, including our own. Every life lost is a reminder that substance use disorder is a health condition and that prevention, education, treatment, harm reduction strategies and recovery support save lives.

One way the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition implements harm reduction strategies is by providing free naloxone (Narcan) training throughout the community. These trainings equip community members with the knowledge and confidence to recognize the signs of an overdose and respond quickly using Narcan. The coalition also distributes free Narcan and is available to schedule additional trainings for organizations, businesses, schools and community groups.

We invite community members to visit these displays, take a moment to reflect and remember those we have lost. The Portsmouth flag display and banner will remain outside town hall from Aug. 28 through Sept. 3. We also encourage everyone to learn about overdose prevention, carry naloxone if they are able, have open conversations about substance use and support those in recovery. Small actions can make a meaningful difference and help reduce stigma.

International Overdose Awareness Day is not only about loss; it is also about hope and remembrance. Through compassion, awareness and community action, we hope fewer families will have to experience this kind of grief in the future.

The Portsmouth Prevention Coalition is committed to continuing our work to educate, connect and support our community. We thank the town of Portsmouth for helping us recognize this important day, as well as the Tiverton and Little Compton prevention coalitions and all of the community partners who work year-round to prevent overdose and promote recovery.

As you pass by one of the displays in Portsmouth, Tiverton or Little Compton, we hope you'll pause for a moment. Remember that every flag represents a life with dreams, relationships and a story worth honoring. Together, we can help ensure that fewer flags need to be planted in the years to come.

Georgie Allott

Coordinator, Portsmouth Prevention Coalition