Flags raise awareness for Middleboro overdose deaths
Keoscha Pina places a purple flag representing statewide overdose deaths. Photos by Ethan Hunt
Keoscha Pina, right, and Rebecca Mitchell, left, plant the flags and corresponding sign. 
In Middleboro this year, two people have died from an overdose, they are represented by the orange flags.
Keoscha Pina places a purple flag representing statewide overdose deaths. Photos by Ethan Hunt
Keoscha Pina, right, and Rebecca Mitchell, left, plant the flags and corresponding sign.
In Middleboro this year, two people have died from an overdose, they are represented by the orange flags.
MIDDLEBORO — Drivers passing Town Hall may notice orange and purple flags placed beneath a tree on the front lawn. The flags represent lives lost to overdose — both locally and across the state — so far this year.
“It’s good because the numbers are showing that they’re trending downward,” said Keoscha Pina, High Point prevention coordinator.
In Middleboro, two people have died from an overdose this year. They are represented by the orange flags. More than 1,500 people have died statewide, represented by the purple flags.
“I think because of the stigma, it’s often overlooked. It’s not talked about enough at all,” Pina said.
Pina was joined by Rebecca Mitchell, Middleboro’s public health nurse. The two co-lead Middleboro Matters, a community coalition that meets monthly to work on preventing underage substance use.
The flag display remained on the lawn through Aug. 31, which is National Overdose Awareness Day.
“We hope this display will help the community to connect, stand together, and work toward a future where recovery is possible for all,” representatives from Middleboro Matters wrote in a statement.
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