Red Ribbon Week is a good time to unite

[October 25, 2011]  Communities across the nation will join to promote Red Ribbon Week Oct. 22-30 and send the clear message that drugs damage lives, whether it be through lost productivity, unfulfilled dreams, drunk and drugged driving incidents, or addiction.

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.

Prevention and awareness are key when talking about combating the problems of drugs and alcohol, particularly among youth. A comprehensive plan is one that gives youth clear and consistent messages about opposing drug use, including underage alcohol use, and that gains support from all the influences in youths’ lives, such as family, school, community members, law enforcement and faith organizations. A consistent message produces young people who are much less likely to engage in drug and alcohol 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 Logan County, go to www.healthycommunitiespartnership.org.

[Text from file received from Camille Springer]

Springer is the sponsor of Illinois Drug Free Youth and a member of the Logan County Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Task Force