GALVESTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COALITION CELEBRATES RED RIBBON WEEK

The Galveston County Community Coalition invites the community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles. This year’s celebration kicked off on Tuesday with various student organizations promoting the message by wearing red ribbon bracelets and other activities scheduled throughout the week to include an online media campaign and information dissemination throughout local schools. “Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Mary Beth Trevino, Coalition Coordinator for Galveston County Coalition. “The campaign brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for ways to keep kids and community’s safe and drug free.” Drug traffickers in 1985 killed drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. The National Family Partnership created the first official Red Ribbon Week celebration in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities. “Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said Trevino. “Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs.” Visit GetSmartAboutDrugs.com for more information about Red Ribbon Week or contact Trevino at marybeth. trevino@bacoda.org or 409-739-1034.