ALCOHOL, DRUG ABUSE FOCUS OF RED RIBBON WEEK

Workers Say They Are Seeing An Increase In Campaign Participation.

CLARION - Clarion County drug and alcohol prevention workers say
they are seeing an increase in participation for this month's Red
Ribbon Week awareness campaign.

The annual event helps draw attention to the problem of drug abuse,
underage drinking, and binge drinking.

"It seems more people are getting involved," said Vicky Hilborn, a
prevention specialist for the local drug and alcohol department.
"It's exciting this year."

Clarion commissioners on Monday approved a proclamation designating
the week of Oct. 23 to 29 as Red Ribbon Week.

A total of 399 assessments were listed in fiscal year 2005-06 by the
Clarion County drug and alcohol department.

And the highest percentage rate by age were those ages 19 to 25,
which was 32 percent of the total case load with 12 percent being
age 18 or under.

Prevention programs are designed to focus on reducing risk factors
associated with substance use and the development of healthy
lifestyles that support individuals, communities, families,
businesses, and schools in being drug-free.

"In addition to the county and law enforcement support there are
also many different levels of participation to this year's
campaign," said Hilborn. "They include schools, businesses,
churches, county offices and community residents."

Research indicates that youth who avoid the early use of alcohol,
tobacco, and marijuana are less likely to engage in other harmful
behaviors such as crime, delinquency, and other illegal drug use.

It's also reported 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.

Officials say the rate of abuse of drugs and alcohol by the nation's
youth is cause for alarm with 55 million participating in binge
drinking - defined as five or more drinks on at least one occasion
in the past 30 days.

More than 23 million Americans age 12 and older are dependent or
abusing drugs and alcohol and more than half of youths ages 12 to 17
reported it would be "fairly easy or very easy" for them to obtain marijuana.

The report also said one in seven reported that heroin would be
easily available and 8.8 percent of youth ages 12 to 17 are
dependent or abuse drugs and/or alcohol.

Red Ribbon Week was originated in 1985 when a federal agent Enrique
"Kiki" Camarena was murdered while he was investigating drug traffickers.

At that time, concerned parent groups and others began wearing red
ribbons to take a public stand against the illegal use of alcohol,
tobacco and other drugs to show support of drug-free youth.

By 1988, all 50 states were participating in the week-long campaign.

COUNTY-WIDE ACTIVITIES

Hilborn said all area school districts will be given the opportunity
to compete in this year's "Best of Theme" contest and earn prizes.

Businesses have been contacted and asked to offer discounts or free
items to anyone wearing one of the department's designated red ribbons.

"Also, something new that participating county agencies are trying
this year is a competition similar to schools," said Hilborn.
"Agencies will be rewarded for involvement with the community and
consumers as well as creativity."

Commissioners have given permission to display red ribbons on all
county-owned vehicles.

In addition, local and state police have also agreed to display
ribbons on marked cruisers.

Hilborn said the commissioners have been of great assistance in
preparing for the annual campaign.

She announced the daily themes as: Oct. 20, Red Ribbon kickoff, tie
ribbons on vehicles; Oct. 23, "Put a STOP to drugs," wear red; Oct.
24, "Shade out drugs day," wear sunglasses; Oct. 25, "Turn your back
on drugs day," wear clothing backwards; Oct. 26, "Taking a stand"
and making a difference in our community, collect and donate canned
goods to a local food bank; Oct. 27, "Let's cheer for a drug-free
year," have contests between classes for the best anti-drug cheer.

More information is available by contacting Hilborn or Molly
O'Donnell in the drug and alcohol prevention department at 226-5888,
extension 522 or 523.