Highland County Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition celebrates Red Ribbon Week
The Highland County Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition (HCDAPC) invites the residents of Highland County to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 27-31.
Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community and encourage parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
This year’s celebration will kick off on Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. with a proclamation signing by the Highland County commissioners. Red Ribbon Week Banners and Red Ribbons will be displayed within Highland County will announce the arrival of Red Ribbon Week.
The following Highland County Schools are participating in “Love Yourself - Be Drug Free!” Red Ribbon Week activities: Bright Elementary School, Fairfield Local Middle and High Schools, FRS Connections, Greenfield Middle School, Hillsboro City Schools, Highland County Head Start -Greenfield and Hillsboro, Highland County WIC Program, Highland County Help Me Grow Program, Lynchburg Elementary and Middle School, McClain High School, Rainsboro Elementary School and White Oak Junior and Senior High Schools, . Students from the participating schools have submitted artwork with the “Love Yourself - Be Drug Free!” theme.
The winning student’s artwork will be on display at the student’s school and community businesses. Each student will be given the opportunity to sign a Drug Free Commitment Certificate and Banner that will be displayed at each school.
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During Red Ribbon Week, the students will be celebrating “Love Yourself - Be Drug Free!” with the following dress-up days and themes:
• Oct. 27: “Wear Red Day”-Wear red attire to kick off Red Ribbon Week. • Oct. 28: “I’m too bright for Drugs” – Wear bright colored attire. • Oct. 29: “Sock it to Drugs Day” – Wear crazy socks. • Oct. 30: “Don’t Let Drugs Make You Crazy” – Wear mismatched clothes. • Oct. 31: “School Spirit Day” – Students wear school colors.
“Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Joe Adray, chairperson of the HCDAPC.
“The campaign brings together parents, schools and businesses as we look for innovative ways to keep children and communities drug free. We would like to see the entire county participate and strengthen the drug free message by encouraging the schools dress-up themes at work and home.”
“Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said Juni Johnson, executive director of the Paint Valley Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board (PVADAMH).
“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 substance use and abuse.
"The Paint Valley ADAMH Board is excited to bring an essay contest to this year’s celebration. The 'Write In Red – Essay Contest' will be available to all middle and high school students in the PVADAMH Board region. We will award one winner in each middle and high school a $100 cash prize and then the school’s winners will be entered into a county wide contest to win a $500 scholarship."
For more information about Red Ribbon Week contact the PVADAMH Board at 740-773-2283 ext. 103.