Cambridge Hosts Events for Recovery Month 

In observance of Recovery Month, the Cambridge Public Health Department’s Mental and Behavioral Health Promotion unit along with the City of Cambridge are hosting events in September to raise awareness about mental and substance use disorders, celebrate individuals in recovery, and acknowledge the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. 

International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31

In collaboration with the Cambridge Public Health Department, the City Manager’s office, and the Mayor, invited the community to plant 30 purple flags on the City Hall lawn representing lives lost to overdose in 2022. See some of the photos from the event above.

Light Up City Hall Purple

First Week of September

City Hall will be lit purple in September to celebrate Recovery Month, a national observance held every September to educate people that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.

Narcan Training and Narcan Distribution Event

September 5 and 26

On September 5, the Cambridge Public Health department and Somerville Prevention held their monthly  virtual overdose prevention training. Covered topics included general opioid education and how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose. On September 26, join the Cambridge Public Health and Access Drug User Health in Central Square from 1-3 p.m. for a Narcan Distribution event. We will be handing out free Narcan and other harm reduction supplies. Keep an eye on Instagram for details and updates.

Opioid Exhibit and Events – Harvard Art Museums

September 15 – January 14

Objects of Addiction: Opium, Empire, and the Chinese Art Trade explores the entwined histories of the opium trade and the Chinese art market between the late 18th and early 20th centuries. Staff from the Cambridge Public Health Department will participate in a panel discussion on Sunday,  September 24 on the current state of opioids. Check out the Harvard Art Museum’s website for more information about the exhibit and events.

Cambridge Public Library’s Recovery Month booklist 

To honor this important month, check out the booklist on this topic. Your local librarians are also happy to connect you with important resources pertaining to this topic.