BERWICK, COLUMBIA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Coming together to remember lives lost to overdose.
Friday March 6 is Black Balloon Day, but instead of releasing balloons, organizers have created their own unique memorial.
Rows of glowing luminary bags stand as a tribute, each one representing a loved one taken by addiction.
The event brings awareness to substance use and offers support to grieving families.
Volunteers are also distributing Narcan kits and harm reduction resources to help prevent future tragedies.
Organizers say they want to stomp out the stigma around addiction.
“My family has dealt with addiction in the past. My own addiction, my sister’s addiction, she died from, and then my mother right now is going through alcoholism because of my sister passing,” said Amanda Slusser of Bloomsburg.
“Jeremy was the life of any party. He had a smile that could light up the room. He would give you the shirt off his back. Seven years later and it’s still really hard to talk about,” remembered Michelle Creasy, Jeremy’s Journey.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, resources are available by contacting Susquehanna Valley United in Recovery.
