Photo by Yvonne Kemp
On Sunday, March 6, 2022, Samad’s House, a sober living home, hosted a “Black Balloon Release Day,” to honor those that have lost their lives to drug overdoses and those who continue to suffer from the perils of addiction. According to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, between January 1 and October 18, 2020 there was an all-time high of 435 confirmed drug overdose deaths. Unfortunately, Milwaukee County surpassed that number in 2021 with 560 reported overdose deaths. The increase was attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The zip codes most affected included 53212, 53219, 53207, 53214 and 53206.
Samad’s House Corp, which is located in the 53206 zip code and is working to fight the opioid crisis in Milwaukee County, and takes a holistic approach to treatment to drug addiction, decided to raise awareness of this epidemic by hosting their second annual “Black Balloon Release Day.” Those who attended released a black balloon in remembrance of those who were lost in 2021. The event also featured a community panel discussion. Samad’s House founder is Tahira Malik (front row, center).
