April 2 – May 7, 2019

An Interactive art and storytelling project designed to encourage dialog, increase awareness, decrease stigma and change societal views about addiction and those affected

In 2017 drug overdose in Massachusetts took 1874 lives, according to the Department of Public Health. In response to the opioid epidemic, The Opioid Project: Changing Perceptions through Art and Storytelling was founded by co-founders Annie Brewster, an internist at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Nancy Marks, a Boston-based visual artist.

Using art and storytelling, the Opioid Project is designed to bring awareness to and humanize the perception and treatment of those touched by Substance Abuse Disorder.  The  project “communicates and breathes life into the complex social narrative, with the goal of supporting individuals and families, strengthening communities, promoting positive social change and preventing opioid abuse and opioid related deaths.”

Art and audio are paired, attendees are encouraged to bring cellphones and earphones to fully experience this multimedia project. View & listen to all stories at theopioidproject.oncell.com; for audio only, call: 617.902.0404 (use stop numbers).  

Thank you to Hillary Mullan, SOM ’20, who introduced the Opioid Project to the library and the UMMS Community.  

Image: Charlie on Recovery by Charlie