RED RIBBON CALLS ATTENTION TO DRUG AWARENESS

Once again, the Delaware County Coordinating Council to Prevent
Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse is sponsoring Red Ribbon Week locally in
conjunction with the national drug awareness observance held each October.

Red Ribbon Week originated in 1985 as a result of the death of a Drug
Enforcement Agent and is dedicated to all of those who have been
wrongfully killed due to drugs and violence. This year's Red Ribbon
celebration activities will be this week.

In the next few days, all children attending public school in Delaware
County will be sent home information regarding this year's activities
and discounts, along with a red silicon bracelet imprinted with the
Red Ribbon Week Theme. This year's theme is "My Life, My Future, Drug
Free." Many of the schools will be participating by doing different
activities in the classroom. I would also like to challenge parents to
take this opportunity to talk to your child about the importance of
being drug, alcohol and tobacco free.

As a certified prevention professional, I believe that it is up to
everyone to provide this much needed protection to our youth. It is
never too early to protect our kids from the drugs and violence that
are all too prevalent in all communities.

No town, no matter how big or small, rich or poor, white or black is
immune. No one wants to see kids fail; many people may simply not know
what to do. As a parent, your role in drug prevention is crucial.

According to antidrug.com, two-thirds of teens say losing their
parents' respect and pride is one of the main reasons they don't smoke
marijuana or use other drugs. There are some simple steps that parents
can take to help keep their kids from engaging in high-risk behavior.
Set a good example, if you smoke quit. Communicate and ask questions
of your kids, their teachers, coaches and friends. Being involved in
your child's life is important to show that you care, and can help you
to monitor changes in their lifestyle.

Sit down and have dinner together. Find a common interest or activity
to pursue together. Make firm and consistent rules so that your child
knows you care. Know your child's friends and their parents. Be aware
of the different types of drugs and symptoms of drug use. Finally, be
proactive: Ask who your child will be with, what they are doing, when
will they check in, and where your child will be.

These are great ways to strengthen the relationship between you and
your child. But for true prevention to work, it must go so much
further than parenting our own kids. Prevention can take on many
forms, such as a school bus driver, a Sunday school teacher, or a
retired neighbor. Youth also need after-school activities that are
low-cost and with in walking distance, because this is the time that
youth are most vulnerable to experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, and
other drugs. Red Ribbon week is an important event and brings great
awareness to our community, but it is only one week.

Our community needs make our kids a priority all year
long.

Tiffany Trissel-Griffey is the Director of Role Players, a division of
A Better Way Services and the chairperson of the Red Ribbon committee.
For more information about Red Ribbon activities call the Delaware
County Coordinating Council at 282-7988.