Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Friday, March 4, 2016
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police to Participate In Black Balloon Day
METHUEN – Chief Joseph Solomon announces that the Methuen Police Department is participating in Black Balloon Day this weekend to honor the lives that have been lost to opioid addiction.
The event recognizes all who have been impacted by the current drug epidemic. It originated from Peabody residents Diane and Lauren Hurley, who lost a family member to a heroin overdose on March 6, 2015.
For the one-year anniversary of their loved one’s death on Sunday, the Hurleys will hang a black balloon outside their home. Anyone who has been affected by the drug epidemic is encouraged to do the same, take a picture and then post it on social media with the #blackballoonday.
“No one has been untouched by the current opioid epidemic,” Chief Solomon said. “Whether you are recovering from the disease of addiction, lost a loved one to an overdose, or know someone who has been affected by drug abuse, we encourage you to participate. Together, as a community, we will work to ensure no more lives are lost.”
Police were notified of Black Balloon Day through the Methuen Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services (C.A.R.E.S). The Initiative began in October 2015 in response to the public health crisis surrounding opioids. Mayor Stephen Zanni and Chief Solomon hired two Community Engagement Specialists, Jennifer Burns and Jacquelyn Ingersoll, to spearhead the initiative by providing recovery resources, education to the community and outreach to high risk populations.
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