October 18, 2018 - Did you know that the children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations? Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31) is designed to give parents and teens the opportunity to begin a conversation.
The National Family Partnership (NFP) was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by parents who felt they should have a leadership role in drug prevention. The Red Ribbon campaign began in 1985 in response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrigue “Kiki” Camarena. Parents and youth across the county began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
Schools and business across Deep East Texas, Southeast Texas, and across America will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23rd to the 31st by wearing Red Ribbons each day. Many of the schools have planned a different theme for each day to assist in raising awareness concerning the harmful affects of substance misuse. Show your support for Red Ribbon Week by wearing your Red Ribbon. For more information contact Kim Simmons at the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council at (936) 631-8789.
Kim Bartel
Region 5 Prevention Resource Center
of the Alcohol & Drug Abuse Council
