Prepare to see red wrist bands on Carson City adults and children over the coming days as part of a national unified message against substance abuse.
Partnership is the theme of this year's National Red Ribbon Week, which kicks off Saturday and is being coordinated locally through the Carson City School District, the Carson City Sheriff's Office and Partnership Carson City.
These groups will again work together in the substance abuse prevention awareness program which runs through Oct. 30, Carson City officials said. Meanwhile, Mayor Robert Crowell has proclaimed October 2010 as “Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Awareness Month.”
Carson City has shown its unique ability to come together for the greater good of our community and Red Ribbon is another opportunity to stand united against substance abuse, said Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong.
“It’s all about partnerships," Furlong said. "We have joined with the schools, the Boys and Girls Club, civic organizations, churches, and non-profit agencies to get this message out into the community. ‘Drug Abuse is Life Abuse’ and we want everyone to become part of the solution.”
Red Ribbon Week is one of the nation’s largest substance abuse prevention awareness campaigns. Its roots began in 1988 when Congress acknowledged the work of fallen DEA Officer Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was murdered in the line of duty. The message from this officer and his family has transcended into one of hope and unity as communities across the United States, said D.A.R.E Officer Lisa Davis.
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office has purchased red wristbands that state, “Drug Abuse is Life Abuse” for every student in the school district.
A “Drug Free Pledge” banner signing has already commenced at Empire and Seeliger elementary schools, as well as at Eagle Valley Middle School. The Leadership Club at Fritsch is counting, distributing and planning additional activities that will be held by students.
This is the fifth year the sheriff’s office has provided the bands, which have been known to show up on the wrists of people in recovery support groups.
“This year the schools and the community haves expressed a much larger interest in the Red Ribbon Campaign," said Davis. "Schools have offered to assist, churches want to participate, and the community has invited us to spread the message through various events. It is very exciting and humbling to see the community get this enthusiastic and involved. Carson City is such a great place to serve.”
Community events that will include the Carson City Sheriff’s Office Red Ribbon Campaign are:
— Saturday, Oct. 23, Michael Hohl Honda Subaru Grand Opening (Michael Hohl donated the Carson City Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. car)
— Thursday, Oct. 28, Say Boo to Drugs Halloween Parties at various schools
— Thursday, Oct. 28, Boys and Girls Club Awareness and Safety Event
— Thursday, Oct. 28, Lake Side Properties Safety Fair
For more information or to request a Drug Abuse is Life Abuse wristband call Lisa Davis at (775) 887-2500 ext. 41930.