Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the Nation is celebrated from Octobr 23rd through October 31st of each year, and is a way for people as well as communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.
This year's theme is, "It's Up to Me To Be Drug Free," and reminds us that creating a drug-free environment is a responsibility we all must share.
"Red Ribbon Week began after the kidnapping, torture and brutal murder of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. Agent Camarena had been working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico for over four years. His efforts led to a tip that resulted in the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. The successful eradication of this and other drug production operations angered leaders of several drug cartels who sought revenge. As a result, they murdered key informants and then, on February 7, 1985, they kidnapped Camarena and his pilot, Captain Alfredo Zavala-Avelar (taken separately on the same day)." (From Wikipedia)
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s website says that: “Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena’s memory and further the cause for which he gave his life." The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA’s efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs
Some 80 million people participate in this event each year, according to the DEA and the National Family Partnership.
Classroom activities for 2nd through 12th graders
Five more days are available for you to participate in any way you can while Red Ribbon Week ends on October 31st. But this is by no means to not stay involved in substance abuse, and addiction related activities that are part of the solution, not the problem.
There is probably no one out there that doesn't know, or been affected by someone abusing drugs either directly, or indirectly, so we all have a vested interest in participating.
Peace...
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If you or a loved one needs help with any type of drug abuse/addiction problem, contact these sites depending on where you live. SEMCA (Wayne County residents), CARE (Macomb County residents), PACE (Oakland County residents), Drug Free Detroit (City of Detroit residents). For those residing outside the State of Michigan, contact SAMHSA for assistance. For assistance with medical marijuana issues contact The Michigan Medical Marijuana Association, Michigan Medical Marijuana Certification Center, or greentreesdetroit.com, phone number: (313) 967-9999, or (248) 677-2888.
One in 4 young persons ages 18-to-25 will abuse prescription painkillers in their lifetime.
"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 Campaign)
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