Malden Overcoming Addiction Honors Lives Lost and Celebrates Hope on International Overdose Awareness Day
MALDEN, MA — September 1, 2026 — On Monday, August 31, Malden Overcoming Addiction (MOA) brought community members together at the Malden Senior Center to observe International Overdose Awareness Day, honoring those whose lives have been lost to substance use disorder while offering hope, encouragement, and support to those still living with substance use disorder and those in recovery.
The solemn yet hopeful evening reflected Malden’s continued commitment to addressing substance use disorder, supporting individuals and families, and remembering that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community forever changed by loss.
Malden Overcoming Addiction continues to lead recovery efforts in Malden, working alongside the Bridge Recovery Center, community organizations, city officials, first responders, families, and volunteers. The organization’s work recognizes both the devastating impact of addiction and the very real possibility of recovery.
Mayor Gary Christenson addressed those gathered, highlighting statistics showing encouraging decreases in overdoses and overdose fatalities in the community. At the same time, the mayor emphasized that this progress must not lead to complacency.
“The numbers are moving in the right direction, but our work is not done,” was the central message of the mayor’s remarks. He emphasized the continued need for prevention, treatment, recovery support, and community involvement. He thanks everyone for their collective efforts.
Malden Police Chief Marc Gatcomb offered particularly personal remarks, sharing the impact of substance use and loss within his own family. His words served as a powerful reminder that substance use disorder touches families and communities across every background and circumstance.
MOA President Paul Hammersley thanked the community for its continued support and urged everyone to remember those who have been lost.
“We must never forget the people whose lives were taken by substance use disorder,” Hammersley emphasized, while also recognizing the importance of giving hope to those who are still here and working toward recovery.
Three guest speakers — Tiffany Spillane, Joy Bailey, and Shannon Lundin — shared deeply personal stories of loss, resilience, and hope. Speaking with raw emotion, each described the impact substance use disorder has had on their lives and families while encouraging those currently struggling to continue seeking help and believing that recovery is possible.
Their stories represented the heart of the evening: honoring those we have lost while giving hope to those who remain — and, in many cases, are surviving, recovering, and thriving.
The evening began and ended with prayer and solemn reflection led by Rev. Gerry Whetstone, a local pastor and director of the Malden Warming Center. The Warming Center has become an important partner in Malden’s broader recovery and community-support efforts.
The program also featured the beautiful voice of Andrea Tracy, who performed Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, providing a moving musical tribute to those being remembered.
The Malden Senior Center was meticulously decorated with purple ribbons and banners in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. A purple-and-white balloon arch welcomed friends, families, survivors, and supporters as they arrived, and each attendee received a white flower.
One of the most powerful displays filled the Senior Center lobby. Hundreds of white bags, each containing a light and bearing the name of a person lost to substance use, represented lives that mattered and families that continue to grieve. Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came when the names of those lost were read aloud, accompanied by the ringing of a bell generously donated to MOA by the Malden Fire Department.
Together, the illuminated bags created a moving memorial — a visual reminder that behind every overdose statistic is a human life, a name, a family, and a story.
A community photograph was also taken at Malden City Hall, with the illuminated Malden Bridge glowing purple in the background in recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.
Special recognition is also extended to the staff and volunteers of the Bridge Recovery Center, whose daily work provides connection, support, resources, and hope to pMalden Overcoming Addiction extends its deepest appreciation to its Board of Directors for their ongoing leadership, commitment, and tireless efforts on behalf of individuals and families affected by addiction. eople navigating recovery.
The evening also demonstrated the breadth of community support for Malden’s recovery efforts.
In attendance were elected officials Michelle Luong, Carey McDonald, Karen Colon Hayes, Steve Ultrino, and Ari Taylor, as well as Teen Enrichment Center Director Cathy McMullin and Health and Human Services Director Laura Vlasic.
Their presence, along with that of many community members, families, volunteers, and supporters, reinforced an important message: Malden is committed to standing together in the fight against addiction.
Malden Overcoming Addiction (MOA) is a community organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, reducing stigma, preventing overdose deaths, and strengthening recovery resources throughout the Malden community.
Through its work with the Bridge Recovery Center and community partners, MOA continues to connect people with support, resources, and pathways toward recovery.
Contact: Paul Hammersley, President Malden Overcoming Addiction
#TogetherWeCan #MakeADifference #HonorTheirMemory
to view more photos from the vigil click the link below.
https://www.flickr.com/.../1404.../albums/72177720335435940/
All photos by Josh London
