Farnum, a program of Easterseals NH, joins the global observance of Black Balloon Day on Thursday, March 6, to honor those lost to overdose. Both centers in Manchester will display a series of black balloons at their entrances to commemorate the day.
Black Balloon Day was established by Diane and Lauren Hurley in memory of Greg Tremblay, a Massachusetts father of four who tragically died from a drug overdose at the age of 38 on March 6, 2015.
At Farnum, we stand with individuals facing addiction and their loved ones. Our commitment is to support those we serve on their journey toward lasting recovery and a life free from substance use.
In its last fiscal year, Farnum was proud to have helped 1,886 adults reclaim their lives free from alcohol and substance use. In observance of Black Balloon Day, we pause to reflect on our work and reaffirm our dedication to building a future of hope, healing, and opportunity.
“On Black Balloon Day, we’re not only honoring those we’ve lost, but we’re also reminding ourselves of why our work is so important,” Farnum Interim Senior Vice President Amy Joslin said. “Addiction doesn’t have to define someone’s future, and at Farnum, we’re here to help people rewrite their stories. Every life saved, every person who chooses recovery, brings us one step closer to breaking that cycle.”
In 2023, New Hampshire became the first state in the U.S. to roll out a coordinated initiative distributing NaloxBoxes, which contain multiple quantities of naloxone (Narcan), the FDA-approved overdose-reversal medication. Farnum proudly participated in this effort, supplying Narcan kits at both of its centers in partnership with the City of Manchester Health Department and the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services.
At Farnum, we are dedicated to offering personalized, confidential plans of care tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual we serve. As we continue our mission, Black Balloon Day serves as an essential reminder to challenge the stigmas surrounding drug addiction and substance use, helping us to sustain and build upon the positive trends we’re seeing.
Learn more about our program and how we’re making a difference at farnumcenter.org.