Black Balloon Day event to remember lives lost to opioid epidemic

The Erie County Opiate Epidemic Task Force and its families and consumer support and advocacy group is coordinating activities for National Black Balloon Day (Saturday, March 6). The event began in 2016 in Peabody, Massachusetts. Erie County has participated each year.

Erie County’s Black Balloon Day event will begin at 4 p.m. via WebEx. Individuals who would like to participate are asked to pick up balloons from one of the following sites between noon and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

A press release stated, “Participants can display these balloons in front of their homes and businesses to honor and remember the lives of loved ones lost to the opioid epidemic. Instructions on how to sign in to the virtual event will be included with the balloons. Parents, family members and friends who have faced the loss of a loved one who struggled with substance use are welcomed at this safe and supportive event.”