Purple memories

By Teddy Tauscher

» ttauscher@eagletribune.com

METHUEN — Thousands of purple flags were planted outside the Methuen Police Station Wednesday – each to remember a life.

In the first major event since the death last month of Phil Lahey, founder of the Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project, the group and the city memorialized the 2,125 people who died from overdoses in Massachusetts last year.

MVPASAP Executive Director Cole Welch, Lahey’s successor, described the “emotional rollercoaster” of taking the helm of the pivotal group.

“We had many talks,” said Welch. “I told him so long as I have breath in my lungs, I will continue his mission for him.”

MVPASAP is a local nonprofit which promotes advocacy and awareness for people with substances abuse issues. The group organizes events, runs a local TV access show and helps people get in touch with resources.

The local police department has similar goals.

Police Chief Scott McNarama said the

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About a dozen volunteers helped the Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project place 2,125 purple flags outside the Methuen Police Department Wednesday to represent Massachusetts residents who lost their lives to opioid overdoses last year.

TIM JEAN/ Staff photo

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department has changed its view of the opioid crisis, shifting the focus to saving as many lives as possible.

“The most important message we want to share with the community is that this crisis is not just about enforcement – it’s about compassion, support, and understanding,” said McNamara. “While traditionally, our approach has been centered on a threepronged strategy – education, enforcement, and treatment – we now recognize that the opioid and fentanyl crises require a broader, more compassionate response.”

Welch said MVPASAP has been putting up the flags for several years. She remembered when the lives lost measured about 1,000.

“It makes a profound statement,” she said.

Cities and towns across the state are taking similar actions as a way to celebrate Overdose Awareness Week and, in particular, Overdose Awareness Day, which is Aug. 31. Gloucester put up similar arrangements over the weekend and flags were being put up at the Statehouse Wednesday.

Provisional data from CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics indicate there were an estimated 107,543 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2023 – a decrease of 3% from the 111,029 deaths estimated in 2022. This is the first annual decrease in drug overdose deaths since 2018.

Welch said the nonprofit is working on a program to visit companies and talk to employees where they work. Welch said employees may not want to talk to somebody in their human resource departments about issues they or their loved ones may have with addiction.

“The opioid and fentanyl epidemics are unlike anything we’ve seen before, and they require all of us to work together to save lives,” said McNamara.

Paramount to their mission is “prevention and education,” said Welch. “You’ve got to stay ahead.”

Welch said Lahey’s biggest desire was to get more people involved.

The group’s podcasts and TV show will return in September, said Welch, adding that she had just put up a movie reel on Facebook of pictures of children who died from fentanyl overdoses.

“Really get this across to people,” she said.

Welch said Lahey outlined a list of things to do right before he passed.

“He has given me the push and drive to get everything done,” she said. “He is my angel.”

While the final week of August is overdose awareness week, September is recovery month. Welch said purple is the color for both overdose awareness and recovery.

“We want the community to understand that we’re not just here to enforce laws, we’re here to save lives,” said McNamara. “If you or someone you know is battling addiction, please reach out. There is no shame in asking for help.”

He added it was also important that people know that only a small amount of fentanyl can be deadly.

Community members began placing flags at 4 p.m. Lahey was represented by his wife Fran at the ceremony.

For more information on MVPASAP and upcoming events by the organization visit: mvpasap.com.

Cole Welch, left, and Fran Lahey join about a dozen volunteers placing 2,125 purple flags outside the Methuen Police Department Wednesday to represent Massachusetts residents who lost their lives to overdoses last year.

TIM JEAN/ Staff photo