DID YOU KNOW? Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t; yet, only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.
The Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK) invites the community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31.
Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the nation, is your opportunity to get the ongoing conversation started. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
This year’s theme is “YOLO. Be Drug Free.” and the celebration will kick off in Yorktown Heights on October 23 with red ribbons hung around the town of Yorktown and special messaging throughout the Jefferson Valley Mall.
The red ribbon symbolizes a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities. In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug-traffickers. Shortly after Camarena’s death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. Congress established Red Ribbon Week in 1988.
“Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Liz Talbert, Coalition Coordinator. “The campaign brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for innovative ways to keep kids and communities drug free.”
“Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” added Erica Stanzione, Director of Communications and Partnerships. “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.”
Get social with us and let us know how you are celebrating Red Ribbon Week by using #ASKDrugFree.
Red Ribbon Week activities are generously sponsored by Hudson River Financial Federal Credit Union.
Hudson River Financial Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution offering a wide range of products and services to its members. Originally chartered in 1938 as Hudson River Teachers FCU, our founders’ mission was to provide outstanding financial services to the teachers within the school districts the credit union serves. Over the years, we have expanded our charter to include not only teachers, but all staff members, students, and their families, as well as many businesses in the area.
Today, we continue our commitment to education by offering an annual scholarship to two graduating high school seniors, as well as Undergraduate Private Student Loan options and Private Student Loan Consolidation. Stop by today to find out why we’re like a bank, only better.