The Carson City School District and Carson City Sheriff’s Office are partnering together to prevent substance abuse by celebrating National Red Ribbon Campaign the dates of October 21-31, 2013.
The Red Ribbon Campaign was started by the family of fallen D.E.A. Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena after he died in the line of duty. This national event was later recognized by the United States Congress and has since become the nation’s largest substance abuse prevention awareness campaign with an estimated 80 million Americans participating annually.
Sheriff Ken Furlong said, “Carson City has shown its unique ability to come together for the greater good of the community with its participation in this national event. Red wristbands with a simple message, ‘Drug Use is Life Abuse’ are distributed and worn during this time. In simple terms, it’s the mental education backed by the action of the wristband that has a tremendous impact. The simple act works and it’s widely advertised by our children, even outside the dates of the campaign.”
As with all of our prevention efforts, this campaign has grown. What started as a small gesture to remind people to make wise decisions has truly transcended the schools and spread into the community.
Schools host a variety of activities and have incorporated the message into community activities such as Nevada Day and Halloween festivities. Students collect the wristbands. Some parents wear the wristbands until they fall apart. We have had requests for wristbands from A.A. or N.A. groups. Some adults have come to the Sheriff’s Office and expressed deep gratitude for the message. One man held the wristband and tearfully said, “Do you know how much this means?”
In Carson City, we are a team and our message is one of hope and unity that highlights the good in our community. “We want youth to know that we are here for them,” said Deputy Lisa Davis. Prevention educational activities and events are underway at all elementary schools, plus the middle schools. Additionally, Carson City Sheriff’s Office will be distributing wristbands at the Nevada Day Parade, “Spooktacular” at Carson Tahoe Hospital, the Governor’s Mansion, Grocery Outlet, and the front counter.
For more information, or if anyone would like to obtain wristbands for their group or organization, please contact Deputy Lisa Davis at (775) 283-7809.