Black Balloon Day

Black Balloon Day is observed each year on March 6 as a day of remembrance to honor the lives lost to substance use disorder and overdose. The movement began in Peabody, Massachusetts, in 2015, when a grieving family sought a meaningful way to honor their loved one while raising awareness about the growing overdose crisis. Since then, communities across the country have embraced Black Balloon Day as a symbol of remembrance, hope, and overdose prevention.

Families United for Change is proud to bring this meaningful tradition to our community each year. We invite local businesses, organizations, schools, churches, and community members to display black bows throughout the area in remembrance of those we have lost. Every black bow represents a life remembered, a family forever changed, and a community committed to preventing future loss.

Attached to each bow is a postcard featuring our QR code, allowing anyone to quickly request free naloxone (Narcan) and access information about overdose prevention and our local resources. By placing these bows throughout the community, we not only honor those who are deeply missed but also create opportunities for education, conversation, and life-saving action.

Black Balloon Day reminds us that behind every statistic is a son, daughter, parent, sibling, friend, or neighbor who was loved beyond measure. Together, we remember those we have lost, support those living with substance use disorder and their families, and work toward a future where compassion replaces stigma and fewer families experience the heartbreak of a preventable overdose.

On every March 6, we stand united in remembrance, awareness, hope, and action 💜