RED RIBBON WEEK CELEBRATES DRUG-FREE LIFE

Local schools have been displaying banners and red ribbons in
observance of Red Ribbon Week. The National Family Partnership
organized the first nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in honor of DEA
agent Enrique Camarena, who was tortured and killed in 1985 while
investigating drug trafficking in Mexico.

To honor his memory and his fight against illegal drugs, his friends
and family wore red badges made of red satin. From there, coalitions
of caring parents adopted red ribbons as their symbol to reduce the
demand for drugs in their communities.

The defining message about Camerena's life is that one person can make
a difference. It's a message worth teaching young people.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Hidalgo County has been
presenting drug education programs throughout the week. Schools invite
us to talk about the health risks of drugs to classes and at health
fairs throughout the year.

Long before Red Ribbon Week was established, I made the decision in
the fifth grade not to smoke though both of my parents were smokers. I
learned about the effects of smoking and drinking alcohol by reading
the last two chapters in my health book on my own.

When presented with the facts, children can make a well-informed
decision.

My parents eventually both quit smoking for health concerns many years
ago.

Illegal drugs aren't the only type of substance abuse parents should
be vigilant about. More than 3.1 youths, ages 12 to 17, abuse
prescription drugs, according to a 2007 survey conducted by the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The youths
are most likely not paying for these drugs since 70 percent admitted
they got them from family or friends.

The National Family Partnership recommends parents lock their
medications, take an inventory and properly dispose of old and unused
medications. Parents who suspect their child already has a problem may
call (800) 662- HELP (4357).

Staying drug-free and living a healthy lifestyle is a message worth
promoting year-round.

Nora N. Garza is a County Extension Agent with Texas AgriLife
Extension Service in Hidalgo County, a part of the Texas A&M System.