Annual Red Ribbon Awareness Program Draws Attention to Making Healthy Choices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Annette Dwyer AMFDwyer@aol.com 917-969-4534   

SUMMIT. Red Ribbons are hanging on trees in Summit's downtown and on public school grounds to signify the beginning of the Annual Red Ribbon Week Awareness Program. It is the nation's oldest and largest drug prevention campaign. By wearing red or a red ribbon during the last weeks of October, Americans demonstrate their opposition to drugs and pay respect to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse in order to keep our youth safe. DEA Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was killed in the line of duty investigating a major drug operation. Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated to not only preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory, but to further the cause for which he gave his life....protecting people from the ill effects of drug use and abuse. Summit's public schools are participating in a variety of activities to reinforce the message of making healthy choices and avoiding drugs and alcohol abuse. Abuse of alcohol and drugs affects many people and can be attributed to a variety of causes. That is why Shaping Summit Together promotes the full spectrum message of prevention, intervention and "second chances" for ongoing recovery of substance abuse. Let's be open about the issues and avail ourselves of opportunities to foster healing and alternatives to a life filled with substances.      On Monday, October 21st, the Summit/New Providence Rotary hosted this year's Red Ribbon winners as well as many of their parents and teachers at its regular Monday luncheon at the Grand Summit Hotel. To communicate a drug prevention message, this year's fourth grade winners presented posters; seventh graders wrote essays and high school youth used various mixed media formats to present a public service film announcement. Rotary presented each of the twelve winners with a Downtown Summit gift certificate worth $50. Rotary has recognized the Red Ribbon winners each year for more than a decade. Examples of the posters and essays are on exhibit in the window of MONDO. The High School PSA will be available on HomeTowne TV.  In addition, community service hours have been given to students to make popular loom bracelets for student peers to wear in solidarity of living a drug-free life. All are encouraged to do their part to remove alcohol and drug abuse around us. There are numerous agencies and houses of worship in Summit where people can get direction for help needed.   # End #