Purple Flags Recognize Overdose Deaths In Howell

HOWELL – Outside of Howell Township’s town hall, a group of purple flags have decorated the lawn to remember those who lost their life due to a drug overdose.

International Overdose Awareness Day is observed globally on August 31 each year. Each purple flag planted on the lawn represents a loved one who are no longer with us due to overdose.

“The commemoration aims to end overdose deaths, remember without stigma those who have died from overdoses, acknowledge the grief of surviving family and friends, and inspire action and discussion about evidence-based overdose prevention strategies and drug policies,” the Howell Alliance states.

The Howell Alliance has once again collaborated with the Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County to display their annual purple flags memorial. For the past five years, the Coalition has been running the campaign which continues to grow.

The Overdose Awareness Campaign, held by the Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County, aims to bring awareness to this epidemic and support community members one town at a time. The Coalition’s goal is to reduce substance abuse in Monmouth County by providing awareness, education and advocacy through collaborative efforts to ensure healthy, safe and drug-free lives.

“Seeing these flags across the county provides a constant reminder that no one lost to addiction will ever be reduced to a statistic,” the Monmouth Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement. “Each individual was an integral part of their community, with friends and family who loved and cared for them, and we remain committed to honoring their memories by doing everything in our power to ensure those who are seeking recovery get the help that they need.”

This year, a total of 27 purple flags are displayed at Howell Township’s town hall, with each flag representing a life lost in Monmouth County to an overdose between January 1 and March 31. In addition, two white flags are placed to honor the 135 lives lost in Monmouth County to an overdose in 2023.

“The Howell Township Police Department assists the Howell Alliance each year with assembling the display at town hall. Thanks to Officer Jayme Higgins, Officer Maureen McBride, and Cadet Jabri for helping set up this year’s memorial,” the Howell Alliance said.

Along with the purple flags memorial, a proclamation honoring the day and lives lost was presented at the August 20 Howell Township Town Council meeting.

For additional details on Howell’s observance of International Overdose Awareness Day or substance use/mental health information, contact Howell Alliance Coordinator Christa Riddle at 732-938-4500 ext. 4012 or criddle@twp.howell.nj.us.