Tuesday night at the Nutley Board of Commissioners meeting, the BOC, families and friends recognized Black Balloon Day in a ceremony to remember and celebrate the lives lost to overdose. Mayor John V. Kelly, III read into the record the proclamation declaring March 6 as Black Balloon Day in the Township.

“March 6 is Black Balloon Day, an annual event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating those who have lost their lives to substance overdoses; 

Substance use disorder affects many millions of people and affects all societal groups with no discrimination; 

According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 90,000 Americans died from substance overdoses in 2024; 

It is proven that the more we talk about substance use disorder, the more we help remove the stigma around seeking out help; 

The Township of Nutley asks residents to recognize this day to not only display a black balloon in memory of a lost relative or friend but to also use the day to open conversations about drug abuse;

Now, therefore it is proclaimed by the Board of Commissioners,Township of Nutley, County of Essex, State of New Jersey that March 6 be declared Black Balloon Day in the Township of Nutley, as we pay solemn tribute to those lost to addiction and also encourage open conversation to support those suffering from addiction.

Be it further proclaimed that the Nutley Department of Public Affairs and Health offers a free Substance Use Disorder Resource Center for individuals seeking information regarding counseling, rehabilitation centers (emergency, non-emergency, inpatient/outpatient), selfhelp hotlines, mental health assistance, etc., and the ability to obtain this collection of materials both digitally and in print.”

March 6th is recognized as Black Balloon Day and has become a national and international event, bringing awareness to overdose deaths. As with many other initiatives regarding 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.

“One more life is one too many to lose based on addiction,” Mayor Kelly said.   “Commissioner Petracco and I are working together on this. It is not just a policing issue, but it's a health issue,   a mental health issue. We have mental health services in the Health Department. We have addiction resource services in the Health Department. If you need help, there is no shame. This is a stigma free town. Come and ask for it. If you don't feel comfortable going to the police, come to the Health Department, if you don't feel comfortable going to the health department, go to the Police Department.”

Sharon Lemma-Bozza of the Department of Public Affairs and Health began the ceremony.   “Black Balloon Day is a time where people come together to pay tribute to those who have been lost to an overdose. It involves uniting and advocating for overdose prevention. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting an individual struggling with addiction and working toward a future free from the devastation of overdose deaths. Addiction does not define a person. It just describes what a person has. Addiction represents only a very small part of that person's life. Addiction recovery is not easy, but it helps when a community understands and becomes actively involved. As the opioid epidemic in the U.S. has grown, the need for increased awareness and education around substance use disorder is so very important. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. The Department of Public Affairs and Health is always available to assist with harm reduction methods. We have a resource recovery center, as our Mayor said, and all are welcome to stop by, pick up some literature along with life saving supplies to help in an overdose crisis. For all of those who have lost a loved one to this disease, please know in your heart that we stand with you. We support you, and we pray with you, and we pray for you. As you travel your journey, may you always have hope and know in your heart that one day you will meet again.”

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.

“There is no shame in asking for help,” Mayor Kelly added. “Please, if you need help, come get it. It's here. It's available. Please seek out the help you need.”