Mayor John V. Kelly and the Department of Public Affairs and Health in collaboration with Commissioner Alphonse Petracco and the Department of Public Safety hosted a Black Balloon Day tribute during the Board of Commissioners meeting on March 3.

“Black Balloon Day serves as a day of remembrance for family and friends, while also aiming to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic, reduce the stigma surrounding substance disorders, and promote advocacy for treatment and prevention,” Mayor Kelly said at the beginning of the evening’s events.

The meeting featured a speech from the Department of Public Affairs and Health’s Sharon Lemma-Bozza (who helped organize the memorial) as well as a musical tribute and moment of remembrance to the song, “Gone Too Soon” by Ed Sheeran. The event concluded with the traditional raising of the balloons, black for those lost to substance abuse and white representing the hope kept in the hearts of the families who fight for their loved ones everyday.   

In her speech, Lemma-Bozza further explained the importance of Black Balloon Day to the Nutley community and beyond. “Black Balloon Day is a time when people come together to pay tribute to those who have been lost in overdose and have been fighting a stigma due to the disease of addiction. It involves uniting and advocating for overdose prevention. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting an individual’s struggle with addiction and working toward a future free from the devastation of overdose deaths.”

Commissioner Alphonse Petracco spoke to the importance of events like Black Balloon Day and its effect on his life as well. “Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol don't discriminate. One thing I learned about any kind of abuse or addiction from my own loved ones and working in Public Safety, is that these people don't want to be like that. They fight everyday. It's easy for us, who are blessed, who have never had an addiction, to pass judgment, but until you're watching it affect your own household, you really don’t know. But as my mother used to say, where there's life, there's hope.”

“It's an emotional day for many people,” said Commissioner Joseph P. Scarpelli. “When you’re opening up old wounds and recognizing and remembering people who have passed away, it’s a solemn day and an emotional event.” 

“There is no one anywhere in the world who is immune from drug abuse,” expressed Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci. 

Commissioner Tom Evans added, “It always feels like you can never do enough. It’s incredibly hard to see someone you love suffering. The more awareness we can raise through events like this, the more help we can provide.”