LYNNFIELD — A Healthy Lynnfield and Think Of Michael came together Thursday to observe National Overdose Awareness Day by decorating telephone poles and trees in town with large purple ribbons.
“Purple is the color for recovery,” Think of Michael President Carmela Dalton said. “It’s really amethyst. In Ancient Greek, amethyst meant ‘not intoxicated’ and was considered a strong antidote against drunkenness. This color and the amethyst quartz have long been associated with recovery and addiction.”
The purple ribbons were hung on the stretch of Main Street from Lynnfield Middle School to Town Hall. Dalton said the purple ribbons will remain in place throughout September “as a constant reminder.”
As part of the town’s initiative to observe National Overdose Awareness Day, A Healthy Lynnfield and Think of Michael also provided the town’s residents with 200 free candles. Residents lit the candles in the windows of their homes on Thursday and were encouraged to do so throughout September, which is National Recovery Month.
Think of Michael was founded by Dalton and her husband, Dick Dalton, after their son Michael Dalton died of an opiate overdose.
The town’s recognition of National Recovery Month will feature the Night of Hope, an event organized by Think of Michael and A Healthy Lynnfield every year to honor Michael Dalton and show support for all who struggle with addiction. The Night of Hope will be held on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at Lynnfield Middle School.
Carmela Dalton said that after the shock of her son’s death, her family decided to partner with A Healthy Lynnfield to create the Night of Hope in his memory.
This year, she said, is particularly important to her because it marks five years since Michael Dalton’s death.
“There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him and pray to him that he gives those families and individuals dealing with addiction the courage and strength to attain sobriety,” Carmela Dalton said.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, National Overdose Awareness Day seeks to honor and remember those who have died of overdoses. National Overdose Awareness Day further aims to encourage the fight against overdose and its consequences.
