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Red Ribbon Week


Posted Date: 10/18/2021

You might notice red ribbons decoratively placed throughout the town of Salina this month in honor of Red Ribbon Week.  The Salina SAFE (Salina ) Youth Coalition will be partnering with local businesses to garnish the community in red ribbons to promote the 2021 Red Ribbon Week. 

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness campaign and takes place every year from October 23rd to 31st. It was first organized by The National Family Partnership in response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who was tortured and murdered in Mexico in 1985. After his murder, parents and youth throughout the country started wearing red ribbons to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America.  Today the red ribbon serves as a catalyst for mobilizing communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.   

The SAFE Youth Coalition will kick off Red Ribbon Week by hosting a drug-free movie night in the student union for high school students on Saturday, October 23rd.  Studies show that providing drug-free alternative options for students is one way to help deter substance abuse among youth.  They will be showing Monster House and serving popcorn, drinks and baked goods.  There will be no charge for the movie or snacks. In addition to free movie night and decorating the town with red ribbons, the SAFE Youth Coalition will also be hosting the following ‘dress-up’ days starting on Monday, October 25:

·        Monday – Home of the Drug Free:  Wear red, white and blue

·        Tuesday – Lei off Drugs: Hawaiian Day

·        Wednesday – Your Choices are Key to Your Dreams: Pajama Day

·        Thursday – Don’t Let Drugs Stop Your Journey: Wear Red

·        Friday – Wildcats are Too Scary for Drugs: Wear Black/Gold/Halloween

Students, faculty, and community members are all encouraged to participate.

The SAFE Youth Coalition was established as part of the Salina Drug Free Communities Grant received by ROCMND Youth Services. This grant works through a sub-committee of the DROP Task Force and meets monthly.  To find out more about the grant and how you can partner to reduce substance abuse in Salina, contact Teresa Carnes at (918) 825-4115.  To learn more about how to join SAFE, contact sponsor Carolyn Daniels.  To get more information about Red Ribbon Week, go to www.redribbon.org.