WORCESTER, Mass. - UMass Memorial Medical Center recognized lives lost to addiction with a special ceremony in recognition of Overdose Awareness Day.

The lawn of the campus green was covered with purple flags as a sign of solidarity. The goal of the day is to end the stigma associated with substance use disorders, remember those lost, and support those who are grieving.

“If you look at some of the more recent statistics, I’m enlightened to see that we’re actually making progress,” said Dr. Kim Kobayashi, VP and Chief Medical Officer. “In fact, we’re seeing a decline in deaths related to opioids when you look at stats from 2023 to 2024 in Massachusetts.”

The event was also attended by families who lost loved ones. Dr. James Faust and Lisa Faust lost their son Adam to an accidental overdose as he was in recovery helping others as an overdose prevention navigator.

He once saved a man’s life by administering Narcan and performing CPR.

“When we suffer terribly as we each have and continue to do so, we develop a superpower,” Faust said. “And that is the ability to empathize with and help those who suffer something similar. Please remember that, you have a new strength.”

To honor Adam’s legacy, the Faust family advocates for recovery resources, including behavioral health and recovery programs at Harrington Hospital.

International Overdose Awareness Day will be held on Sunday, August 31.