Bad Links?
Other glitches?
Notify Webmaster

Statewide activities mark Red Ribbon Week

The Red Ribbon Campaign, a week-long drug prevention and awareness campaign, is a statewide event involving youth, families schools and communities. Georgia has participated in the campaign since 1987 to educate youth, in particular, on the importance of living a drug free life. Hundreds of Red Ribbon Week activities are scheduled throughout the state of Georgia from Oct. 23-31.

"The rise in methamphetamine abuse is the latest reminder that we must remain vigilant in promoting a drug-free lifestyle in communities across Georgia," said Governor Sonny Perdue, chair of the Georgia Red Ribbon Campaign. "Red Ribbon Week gives us all the opportunity to send a strong message that drugs are the wrong choice."

For the most recent data available:

- Meth-related admissions to Georgia drug treatment programs have more than tripled from 451 in 1997 to 2,793 in 2003.

- An estimated 57,000 Georgia youth ages 12-17 are current users of illicit drugs.

- Georgia youth experienced 5,489 drug or alcohol related arrests.

- Alcohol consumption begins at an average age of 13.5 years, while marijuana use begins at an average age of 14.1 years.

- Alcohol and cigarette use increase dramatically between the ages of 15 and 18, with a third of 18 year olds reporting alcohol use within the past 30 days.

"Substance abuse remains one of the most serious threats to our families and communities," said Gwen Skinner, Georgia Department of Human Resources' Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases. "Prevention efforts are key as we establish a new standard of excellence for addressing these issues."

"The red ribbon symbolizes our resolve against drug abuse, and with the spike in meth use, there is no time more important than now to stiffen our resolve," said Becky Vaughn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse. "Individuals will wear red ribbons showing their pledge to not use illegal drugs. There will be events in schools and communities across the state to raise awareness and to show our commitment to reducing the demand for drugs."

The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse coordinates the Red Ribbon Campaign under contract with DHR's DMHDDAD. The Council has distributed 50,000 red ribbons and 10,000 activity planning guides across the state.

To encourage prevention based on science and best practices, Governor Perdue and DHR, along with the Georgia Red Ribbon Campaign recognizes those who conduct activities designed to produce meaningful results. The Governor will present awards to competition winners in a ceremony at the Capitol in February.

The annual Red Ribbon Campaign represents a key component of a broader, more comprehensive programming effort to reduce substance use among Georgia youth that includes implementation of science-based programs such as Too Good For Drugs, Life Skills Training, All Stars, and Second Step across the state.

"Years of ongoing federally supported work in the area of promoting the science of substance abuse prevention fully complement DHR's commitment to making children a top priority," stated Brenda Rowe, Prevention Chief for DHR/MHDDAD.