Drug Free is the Key
Red Ribbon Week 2009
by Rachel Anderson - DREAM, Inc.
DREAM is pleased to announce this year’s theme for Red Ribbon Week: “Drug Free is the Key.” Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually, every October 23rd-31st. Red Ribbon Week began in remembrance of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who was kidnapped while working undercover in Mexico. After he was found murdered, citizens in his hometown of Calexico, California, donned red ribbons in his honor. The red ribbon became their symbol for prevention in order to reduce the demand of illegal drugs.
Red Ribbon Week owes its success and national recognition to the thousands of parents, teachers, and individuals, schools and grass roots organizations that worked tirelessly at a local level to educate children and prevent drug use. Today, the annual Red Ribbon Week celebration is the most far-reaching and well-known drug prevention awareness campaign. This year’s theme recognizes that being drug-free is the key to success and a myriad of opportunities.
In order for Red Ribbon Week to continue to have a great impact, it is crucial that everyone become involved in Red Ribbon Week activities and gain community support for preventing drug use. DREAM, Inc. and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse encourage you to join in our efforts to promote healthy living for our children, our families, and our communities. For more information about Red Ribbon events and activities check out Red Ribbon Times which offers suggestions and tips for celebrating Red Ribbon Week or contact DREAM, Inc. at 601-933-9199.
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DREAM, Inc. and MS DMH