On Saturday, March 6, 2021, Samad’s House and Planned Parenthood partnered to celebrate Black Balloon Release Day, to raise awareness about lives lost to drug overdose and those that continue to suffer from the perils of addiction.
Exactly 535 black balloons were released to represent those who have lost lives to drug addiction in 2020. According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, between January 1, 2020 and October 18, 2020 there was an all-time high of 435 confirmed drug overdose deaths.
The event was coordinated by Samad’s House Chief Operations Officer Tahira Malik. Samad’s House is a sober living home located in the 53206 area. Samad’s House takes a holistic approach to treatment for women involved in the program.