Local health officials are gathering Friday to observe Black Balloon Day, an annual event dedicated to honoring those lost to substance use disorder and supporting families affected by the overdose epidemic.

The St. Joseph Health Department and the Family Guidance Center will co-host a memorial to remember the hundreds of Missourians who have died from drug-related causes.

Recent data from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) Addiction Science Team shows a downward trend in fatalities:

Organizers say the event serves as both a somber remembrance and a vital platform for raising awareness about recovery resources.

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 </figure>Local health officials are gathering Friday to observe Black Balloon Day, an annual event dedicated to honoring those lost to substance use disorder and supporting families affected by the overdose epidemic.The St. Joseph Health Department and the Family Guidance Center will co-host a memorial to remember the hundreds of Missourians who have died from drug-related causes.Recent data from the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL) Addiction Science Team shows a downward trend in fatalities:<ul>
 <li>Statewide Progress: Missouri recorded 629 overdose deaths in the first half of 2025, a 26% decrease from the 850 reported during the same period in 2024.</li><li>Regional Impact: Northwest Missouri saw 23 deaths in the first six months of 2025, down slightly from 26 during the same window the previous year.</li><li>Annual Context: In total, Missouri lost 1,424 residents to overdoses in 2024, with 45 of those deaths occurring in the northwestern region.</li>
 </ul>Organizers say the event serves as both a somber remembrance and a vital platform for raising awareness about recovery resources.

Local organizations observe Black Balloon Day to honor overdose victims