BANGOR – In 2024, the State of Maine lost 490 of its citizens to opioid overdose. Combine that statistic with the fact that Americans are more likely to die of an opioid overdose than they are from a car accident or by a gun and one can see why drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States.
Black Balloon Day helps create awareness around this important topic as we provide support to those struggling with substance use disorder — and their loved ones. 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. Greg, a father of four, is the son-in-law of Diane and brother-in-law of Lauren and, sadly, passed away due to overdose when he was 38 years old on March 6, 2015.
To bring awareness to this tragic and troubling epidemic, Northern Light Addiction Care at Acadia Hospital will hold a moment of silence to honor those who have been tragically lost to opioid addiction. On Thursday, March 6 at 1:45 p.m., members of the public are welcome to attend, and we invite those unable to attend to hold their own moment of silence wherever they are at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 6.
