Last week we told you about one October observance for substance abuse prevention. This week, Perry Wellness Center joins with millions across the nation in celebrating Red Ribbon Week. This commemorative week was established more than 30 years ago, after the death of a DEA agent, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.

Responsibility for the first Red Ribbon Week lies with The National Family Partnership (formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth), which was created as a grassroots, nonprofit organization by concerned parents who wanted to take more of a leadership role in drug prevention. Its mission is to lead and support the nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth.

Red Ribbon Week has become a time for schools, civic organizations, and others across the nation to raise awareness and educate students about the dangers and effects of drug use. While Perry Wellness Center provides alcohol and drug education on a daily basis, Red Ribbon Week provides an opportunity to address early intervention and prevention of drug abuse by today’s youth. This year’s theme is “Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free.” Red Ribbon Week falls during Perry Wellness Center’s own annual Spirit Week, and we will be observing the week in conjunction with other events that celebrate peers’ wellness and recovery.

“The timing and observance of Red Ribbon Week is a perfect kick-off Monday for our observance of this special week and our annual Spirit Week,” says Amanda Perry. “It has been fun to make peers aware of the meaning of this day. To join other Georgians is important to us.”

To commemorate Red Ribbon Week, today was established as Red Ribbon Day for Spirit Week, and all peers and staff were asked to wear red as a symbol of their commitment to living healthy and drug-free. Throughout the week, other activities are planned to promote the principles of Red Ribbon Week and Spirit Week. We will update our readers on many of these activities. Additional information about national Red Ribbon Week can be found at the redribbon.org website.

Here’s to a spirited week for all!

In the photo above, Stuart, Pam, and Amanda Perry are surrounded by a sea of red as staff and peers celebrate Red Ribbon Day during Spirit Week.