O.C. Participates in Red Ribbon Week Kickoff

GOSHEN – Orange County joined the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County (ADAC), students from Warwick High School and local Anti-Drug Community Coalitions for the County’s 32nd Annual Red Ribbon Week Kickoff Celebration on Thursday, October 19th at the Government Center.

“The importance of combatting drugs in our schools and our communities has never been greater,” Neuhaus said. “We need to use every tool possible, and awareness and prevention are important first steps. I appreciate all the efforts of ADAC to educate and inform our community on this critical issue and the County is glad to continue to partner with ADAC and our schools for this critical initiative.”

Approximately 150 red ribbons were placed at the Government Center. The tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as symbols of intolerance of the use of drugs continues today. The Nam Knights of Orange County donated $250 for the purchase of ribbons and participated in the ceremony with several Orange County officials.

Red Ribbon Week serves as an opportunity for people and communities to unite, raise awareness and take a visible stand against drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign began in response to the 1985 murder of DEA agent Kiki Camarena by drug traffickers in Mexico City. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign, the oldest continuous drug prevention initiative in the United States, is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a drug free America.

“Unfortunately, drugs and violence often go hand-in-hand,” Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta said. “As a society, we need to recognize and address both important issues. I fully support the efforts of the organizers of Red Ribbon Week as they work to educate students about the dangers of drugs.”

“The lives of far too many of our families and friends are being impacted by drug use,” added Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “We need to use every tool possible, and awareness and prevention are important first steps.”

For more information about Red Ribbon week and tips to keep kids drug free, visit www.redribbon.org. For more information on the services the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County provides visit www.adacinfo.com.