On March 6, across the United States families and loved ones remember and celebrate the lives lost to overdose. This day has become known as Black Balloon Day. Black Balloon Day has become a national and international event, bringing awareness to overdose deaths. As with many things with the opioid epidemic, Black Balloon Day began with a family’s loss. Diane and Lauren Hurley began Black Balloon Day in remembrance of Greg Tremblay. Tremblay, a father of four, is the son-in-law of Diane and brother-in-law of Lauren and died of an overdose when he was 38 years old on March 6, 2015.
Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. Opioid addiction is driving this epidemic. Americans are more likely to die of an opioid overdose than they are from a car accident or by a gun. Black Balloon Day helps create awareness around the important issue of providing support to those struggling with substance use disorder and their loved ones. If you or someone you know is looking for support, call 211, visit 211maine.org or go to knowyouroptions.me
How to recognize Black Balloon Day:
Release a virtual balloon
We invite you to release virtual balloons each year on #BlackBalloonDay. If you wish to participate and share your loved one’s name and/or story this year on March 6, simply follow the steps outlined below.
Download and Save our Virtual Balloon template:
Facebook Template:
Instagram template
Instagram story template
Share your loved one’s name and/or story or a message of hope and support for others
Release the Virtual Balloon on Social Media on March 6 with the hashtag #BlackBalloonDay and tag @ centralmainemedicalcenter and @ healthyandroscoggin, so we can share your stories.
Attend a Black Balloon Day Event
Memorial for Mainers: a Black Balloon Rally
Augusta at Capital Park 11-2pm
https://www.facebook.com/MEBlackBalloonRally
This is an annual memorial for Mainers lost to accidental overdose deaths held on March 6th (National Black Balloon Day) each year
An Angel’s Wing
An Angel’s Wing will be putting up black balloons in the store for those we have lost. It is free of charge so anyone can stop in the store and fill out a balloon with their loved ones name and we will hang it. This begins 2/19/22 and ends on the March 7th.
Walk-In Closet
1567 Lisbon Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
Learn about the Resources in Maine: