Lincoln celebrates Red Ribbon Week

[October 22, 2009]  Communities across the nation will join together to raise awareness about drugs and encourage healthy choices as they celebrate National Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 24-31. Some of the activities in Lincoln include members of Illinois Drug Free Youth/Peer Leaders placing red ribbons around the town square and on emergency vehicles, special activities at the high school during the week, and I-D-FY members helping at a booth at the Lincoln Park District Halloween Funfest.

Red Ribbon Week was established by Congress in 1988 to commemorate the work of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was murdered in the line of duty, and has come to represent the belief that one person CAN make a difference in the fight against drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign promotes this belief and encourages a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts.

This year's theme, "Drug Free is the Key," helps to create awareness of the drug problems facing every community and to develop parent and community teams to combat the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, particularly among youth. Preventing substance abuse works best when it is comprehensive. When young people receive clear and consistent messages about opposing underage use from all of the influences in their lives -- such as family, school, community members, law enforcement and faith organizations -- then they are much less likely to engage in drug use.

If you want tips on how to talk to a young person in your life, go to www.timetotalk.org. Or, if you want to get involved in making a difference in your community, go to http://www.healthycommunitiespartnership.org/
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[Text from file received]