RED RIBBON WEEK GETS UNDER WAY

While Fayette County schools have observed Red Ribbon Week for many
years, this year's celebration of drug-free lifestyles will have more
of a community focus.

Red Ribbon Week begins today and runs through Oct. 31, with a number
of events planned to promote the prevention of drug use.

Erica Bertovich, substance abuse prevention coordinator with the
Fayette County Drug & Alcohol Commission, said in recent years the
schools have offered programs, but there's not been as many community
events.

"We can educate kids in every school district about drug abuse, but
what happens if mom and dad are using?" she said. "Children learn what
they live, and they need the support from their parents, their
families and the community."

This year, the schools and the community will have a number of
opportunities to commemorate the week.

Commission members will be distributing ribbons Monday at the
Connellsville Wal-Mart Supercenter, and students will join commission
staff in marching in the Uniontown Halloween parade, Bertovich said.

Schools were given packets of information about different ways
students can participate in Red Ribbon Week activities, including door
decorating and other events unique to their building.

Last week, red tulip bulbs were sold to help "Plant the Promise" of
drug-free lifestyles. She said the bulbs, if planted this season, will
bloom in April, Alcohol Awareness Month.

"We hope this becomes something we'll do every year, and possibly hold
a community planting somewhere," Bertovich said.

Students from Uniontown Area High School joined the commission staff
in decorating windows at the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, she noted.
Members of the commission will speak at a "Business After Hours" event
for Chamber members Tuesday evening, Bertovich added.

The commission's annual dinner has been moved to Red Ribbon Week, and
will be held Thursday at the Uniontown Country Club. The event will
feature Dr. Robert Ackerman, a professor and author who has written
about alcoholism and children of alcoholics.

Red Ribbon Week began in the late 1980s after a federal drug agent was
murdered by members of a drug cartel, and the agent's family began
wearing red ribbons to commemorate their loved one and to promote drug
prevention.

Bertovich said it's important to remember how Red Ribbon Week began
and what it represents, but people should also be proud to celebrate
their drug-free lifestyles.

"Drugs are so prevalent in our society, but it's important to show
people you can have fun without drugs," she said. "People should be
proud they've pledged to live healthy lives."

She said treatment is a process that's personal, but the community can
do its part in preventing the spread of drug abuse.

"Everyone can do prevention and it can be as simple as wearing a
ribbon," she said. "It's so easy. There's no cost, and you can provide
a benefit to the people in your area."

Red ribbons will be distributed at all local schools and will be
available at the Fayette County Health Center and other locations
throughout the county.