Published September 9, 2020
LYNNFIELD — The Think of Michael Foundation and A Healthy Lynnfield have announced that the second annual Night of Hope event in observance of National Recovery Month will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Lynnfield Middle School.
This year’s event will be recognized by a car procession that starts and ends at Lynnfield Middle School. Both organizations feel it is imperative to uphold safety guidelines for events during this time and although there will be no speakers this year, the tradition of lighting purple votives in remembrance and hope for all those impacted by opioid use will continue. A brief blessing by clergy from across the community will end the event.
During National Recovery Month, communities across the country hold local events to celebrate the people’s stories of recovery. Both organizations hope to bring the community together to recognize that Lynnfield is not immune to the impact of the opioid crisis. This event is focused on the tremendous journey to recovery on which people with substance use disorders embark. By participating in the car parade, attendees will join the journey with those that struggle every day to reclaim their lives from this disease and as show support.
“Opioid abuse has no community boundaries,” said Think of Michael Foundation President Carmela Dalton. “We all know someone — a friend, a loved one, a colleague, a co-worker, a neighbor – impacted by substance use or mental health. This event is a way to say, ‘Lynnfield is a community that supports those impacted and those on their journey of recovery.’”
Other ways the community can show support for National Recovery Month include:
• Wear purple, the color of recovery, in your school or place of business.
• Put a purple bow on your door or a purple light in your window on Sept. 20.
• Decorate your car in purple for the Night of Hope car parade.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health data posted last month, four people from Lynnfield died from opioid-related overdose deaths in 2019. This is among the 284 opioid-related deaths in Essex County and a confirmed 1,952 opioid-related deaths in the state.
“Massachusetts has made many gains in addressing the opioid crisis, but with the current pandemic, we need to ensure prevention and access to treatment remain a priority,” said Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator Peg Sallade. “This observance reminds us that treatment is effective and that people can and do recover. It also serves to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions that cloud public understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. When you see the common decorated with purple bows, flags and lights, remember someone you know with positivity.”
For event information, contact Dalton at cmdalton@thinkofmichael.org or Sallade at salladem@lynnfield.k12.ma.us
The mission of the Think of Michael Foundation is to help individuals and families battling substance use disorder (SUD) and create effective change where change is needed.
A Healthy Lynnfield is a community partnership that aims to empower residents to make positive choices every day. Together, AHL works to prevent substance misuse, to improve the quality of life for those impacted and to support programs that help all young people thrive.
