Along with civic, community, and government leaders, Samad’s House will host a Black Balloon Day event on March 6 to honor those who lost their lives to drug overdose. The event, now an annual tradition, will be held from 10 am to noon at No Studios, 1037 W. McKinney Ave, Milwaukee, WI 52305.
Black Balloon Day, established in 2016 by Diane and Lauren Hurley to honor the memory of Greg Tremblay—a Massachusetts resident who passed away from an overdose in 2015—has since become a nationally recognized event. It serves as a platform to raise awareness about addiction, advocate for improved treatment options, and combat the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.
“Each year, we commemorate those lives that were lost unnecessarily because of overdose deaths,” said Tahira Malik, CEO and founder of Samad’s House. “They did not have to die. This day also reminds us that lives can be saved with harm reduction services and resources, such as naloxone and fentanyl test strips. As we mourn those we lost, we also spread the knowledge that we have the power to save lives. We need to educate our community so lives can be saved.”
Malik said that black balloons will be displayed throughout the community outside homes, community centers, businesses, and retail outlets. Inside, prominent speakers will discuss progress and the challenges they face in preventing further deaths.
“We must ensure that all communities have access to the services and resources needed to prevent overdose deaths,” Malik said, noting that Samad’s House plays a role in dispersing harm reduction knowledge, resources, and services to the community, while also providing a haven for women in need of shelter as they overcome substance disorders.
Samad’s House began in 2020 as a single sober living home and has since expanded into a network of three homes and a behavioral health clinic. Together, they provide a wide range of services to help women and families maintain sobriety. Over the years, Samad’s House has transformed the lives of more than 75 women and nearly a dozen families, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Since 2024, the organization has distributed more than 2,300 naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips, underscoring its commitment to harm reduction and public health.
Central to Samad’s House is its ambassador program, which empowers women who have experienced addiction to become trusted advocates in their communities. “Our ambassadors use their street smarts and lived experiences to educate others about harm reduction,” explains Malik. “They save lives and tackle the overdose crisis that has devastated Black families and communities in Milwaukee.”
As Milwaukee continues to face the challenges of the overdose epidemic, Malik’s efforts highlight the critical role of community-driven initiatives. In 2024, Milwaukee County lost 450 lives to overdoses, with Black residents disproportionately affected. The fatal overdose rate for Black residents was 76 per 100,000 people—nearly double that of White residents, despite similar rates of drug use. Black residents accounted for 42% of overdose deaths, while making up only 27% of the population.
The overdose crisis continues to weigh heavily on Black communities, but Tahira’s work at Samad’s House demonstrates that community-led solutions can make a meaningful difference. Her efforts underscore the urgent need for equitable funding to support programs like Samad’s House, ensuring that everyone has access to care, compassion, and hope.
