The simple gesture of wearing a red ribbon has so much
meaning.
It means not using drugs. It means supporting drug prevention
and education programs. In short, it means taking a stand against
drugs.
The simple gesture of wearing a red ribbon has so much meaning.
It means not using drugs. It means supporting drug prevention and education programs. In short, it means taking a stand against drugs.
Students and community members across the nation will put that meaning into action for National Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23 through 31.
The nine-day week allows communities to raise awareness about keeping children drug free. Locally, this will be done through wearing red ribbons, activities in the classroom, a parent information night and the 14th annual Red Ribbon Mile Run.
“It’s important for the community, schools and community members to promote programs and activities that discourage substance abuse,” said Marc Narasaki, administrator with the San Benito County Substance Abuse Program, the group sponsoring the mile run. “It’s an opportunity for parents, children, law enforcement and schools to demonstrate their commitment to leading healthy lives.”
The run takes place Sunday at 9 a.m. along Monterey Street, and age groups from 12 to senior citizens can participate. The event raises money for substance abuse prevention programs. State Assemblyman Simon Salinas will present awards to top runners in each of the age categories.
Substance abuse can be an issue in the county because of its rural nature. The production and distribution of methamphetamines is big, Narasaki said.
“In this community, methamphetamines are a problem, as is across the nation. They are inexpensive and easy to make,” he said. “The rural countryside makes the manufacturing of methamphetamines easy to conceal.”
Because a big part of Red Ribbon Week is education, officers with the Hollister Police and Sheriff’s departments will discuss various accessible drugs, including the big three in the county – marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamines, like crank and speed. The discussion will take place at a parent information night at San Benito High School Thursday from 7 to 8:45 p.m.
The goal of the event is to provide families with strategies to help them deal with drug abuse in the community. It brings together officials from SBHS, the HPD, the Sheriff’s Department, the SBC Substance Abuse Program and the SBC Probation Department.
“A lot of parents don’t want to admit they need to be worried about this,” said Jean Burns Slater, superintendent of the SBHS District. “I’m looking for a partnership where the community, parents and schools help young people make the best decisions.”
More than 80 million people across America participate in Red Ribbon Week every year. Most school districts in San Benito County have passed resolutions proclaiming the week and encouraging all to participate in events.
Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated since 1986 when a Drug Enforcement Agent was kidnapped and killed for coming close to breaking up a drug cartel in Mexico. This year’s theme is “Freedom is Drug Free, Plant the Promise,” encouraging students to plant tulip bulbs demonstrating their commitment to a drug-free America.
According to a proclamation made by President Bush, 3 million young people between the ages of 14 and 17 have an alcohol problem and more than half of school-age children have tried illegal drugs by the time they graduated high school.
Ways to limit drug use among students are to observe their behavior and listen and talk to them.
For more information on the 14th annual Red Ribbon Mile Run, call 637-5594. The race starts at the corner of Nash Road and West Street at 9 a.m. – Narasaki warns against forgetting daylight-saving time. To find out more about Red Ribbon Week, visit www.nfp.org.
