LINCOLN — On March 6, communities across the nation will come together to observe Black Balloon Day, a solemn day of remembrance for those lost to overdose and substance use disorder. In Lincoln, Save A Life Recovery Resource Center, in partnership with True Connections, will host a local Black Balloon Day event at 19 VFW Street at 6 p.m. to honor those who have passed and provide support to grieving families and individuals affected by addiction.
What Is Black Balloon Day?
Black Balloon Day began in 2016 as a grassroots movement after Diane Hurley, a Massachusetts mother, lost her son Greg to an overdose. What started as a small tribute quickly grew into a nationwide event where families and communities displayed black balloons to symbolize the devastating loss of life due to substance use disorder.
The day serves as both a memorial and a call to action, highlighting the ongoing overdose crisis and the need for more prevention, harm reduction, and recovery resources. According to the CDC, over 100,000 Americans die annually from drug overdoses, making it one of the most pressing public health crises in the country.
A community gathers in Lincoln
In Lincoln, Save A Life Recovery Resource Center and True Connections are bringing the community together for a day of reflection, support, and education. Black balloons will be displayed outside 19 VFW Street to honor those lost, and attendees will have opportunities to:
- Share the names and memories of their loved ones.
- Connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
- Access harm reduction and recovery resources for individuals and families.
- You can learn about local support services and ways to get involved.
“We want people to know they are not alone in their grief,” said Kelly Cookson, director at Save A Life Recovery Resource Center. “Black Balloon Day is about breaking the stigma of addiction, sharing our stories, and supporting those still struggling.”
Why Black Balloon Day matters
Substance use disorder affects millions of individuals and families, yet stigma often prevents people from seeking help. Events like Black Balloon Day bring attention to the human side of addiction — focusing on compassion, recovery, and remembrance rather than shame.
By participating in Black Balloon Day, community members can help destigmatize addiction, advocate for better treatment and prevention programs, and ensure that no family has to suffer in silence.
How to participate
Even if you cannot attend the event in Lincoln, there are many ways to observe Black Balloon Day:
- Hang a black balloon outside your home or business.
- Share your story on social media using #BlackBalloonDay.
- Light a candle in memory of a loved one.
- Educate yourself and others about harm reduction and addiction recovery.
- Reach out to someone who may be struggling and offer support.
A call for change
As Black Balloon Day approaches, Save A Life Recovery Resource Center and True Connections encourage the community to unite in remembrance and action. While honoring those we’ve lost, we must also work toward a future where prevention, treatment, and recovery resources are accessible to all.
For more information about Black Balloon Day in Lincoln, contact Save A Life Recovery Resource Center at 207-403-9100.