Anti-drug campaign ratchets up

Communities nationwide come together every Oct. 23 to 31 each year to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse by wearing a red ribbon.

In the CNMI, many activities related to the observance of National Red Ribbon Week have been scheduled throughout October to celebrate the Red Ribbon Campaign.

The CNMI’s Red Ribbon Campaign Committee includes local and federal agencies, and private and non-profit organizations that have partnered to increase awareness of the National Red Ribbon Campaign’s significance and promote a drug-free NMI.

This year’s theme is “Send a Message. Stay Drug Free.”

The campaign provides communities with a forum to bring together parents, schools and businesses to find new and innovative ways to keep kids drug free.

Red Ribbon Week will kick off with a proclamation signing by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres at Dandan Middle School on Oct. 7, 2019, at 10am. This year, the islandwide gate/wall decorating contest is open to again to all schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. In addition, committee members are conducting drug awareness presentations at various schools.

The following activities have been slated for Red Ribbon Week 2019:

• Monday, Oct. 7, 2019, Proclamation signing;

• Friday, Oct. 25,2019, Wear Red Day and Red Ribbon Wave at Garapan Fishing Base, from 4pm to 5pm;.

• Friday, Oct. 25,2019, winner of the gate/wall decorating contest will be announced;

• Oct. 1-Oct. 31,2019, outreaches to public and private schools on Rota, Tinian and Saipan;

The first Red Ribbon Celebration was organized in 1986 by a grassroots organization of parents concerned about the destruction caused by alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers. The campaign has reached millions of children and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress.

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.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week, contact Amanda Hayes at (670) 237-1230 or amanda_hayes@nmid.uscourts.gov. (PR)