RED RIBBON WEEK

In the last week of October, children don red ribbons to proclaim their
stand against drugs, and display their personal commitment to stay
drug-free during Red Ribbon Week.

This week is also a time for communities to visibly take a stand against
the devastating effects substance abuse can have on their youths through
education, parent training, and networking.

Red Ribbon Week was conceived after Kiki Camarena, a Drug Enforcement
Agency undercover agent, was murdered in Mexico City by drug traffickers in
1985.

In memory of Camarena and his dedication to the war on drugs, his friends
and families began wearing red ribbons in his honor. The movement grew, and
soon the Red Ribbon Campaign was born. Now this national campaign is
partnered with the DEA to support efforts to reduce demand for drugs
through prevention and education programs.

Border Area Mental Health Services offers drug preven-tion education to aid
in educating children before they face the temptation of drugs. It has
partnered with area schools to offer the "Protecting You; Protecting Me"
program that teaches decision-making skills to students. The program
teaches children to make healthy decisions to help protect their body and
minds from drug use.

Jim Helgert, program supervisor for BAMHS' Metham-phetamine and Inhalant
Prevention and Intervention Program, said the program aims at changing
attitudes. "We want to give younger children a chance to set goals and not
to be tempted into drug use, which could compromise those life-time goals."

The "Protecting You, Protecting Me" program targets third- and
fifth-graders, "before drug use becomes an issue in their life," Helgert
said. The life skills imparted in the classes it is hoped will lower the
age of initiation for alcohol and drug use.

Nearly 75 percent of Grant County high school students have drunk alcohol,
and nearly half the males had their first drink of alcohol before age 12,
according to the 2001 Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey, conducted by the
New Mexico Department of Education. The "Protecting You, Protecting Me"
program would like to change those by educating chil-dren on the impact
alcohol and drugs can have on their future.

If your child is wearing a red ribbon this week, take a moment to talk to
him or her about drug use and the impact it can have, and continue to do so
on a regular basis. If you suspect your child is using drugs, remember help
is available, and the earlier your child receives treatment, the better his
or her chance of recovery.

To learn more about substance abuse prevention programs, call Border Area
Mental Health Services at 388-4412. In Catron County, call 533-6649 for
referral; in Luna County, call 546-2174.

For crisis, call 538-3488 or, outside Silver City, 1-800-426-0997.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This column was provided by the staff of Border Area Mental
Health Services.