The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 23 through the 31. Throughout the month of October, there are events and activities in observance of this national alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention awareness campaign. The national theme for this year’s Red Ribbon Week is “Send a message. Stay drug-free.”

Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe. The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to raise awareness concerning the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Helping students see that they have better things to do than drugs by making Red Ribbon Week a celebration in every school and community has proven to be very effective. A commitment to educating our kids on the dangers associated with the use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs will increase the chances that they will make better decisions in life.

You can get involved with this worthy campaign by:

Talking to your kids about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs,

Posting drug-free messages on school and business marquees,

Printing drug-free messages on payroll,

Wearing Red every Monday during October,

Wearing Red Ribbons October 23-31,

Posting drug-free messages on social media.

 

Kim Bartel

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council

Region 5 Prevention Resource Center