A STAND AGAINST DRUGS

National Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated in all Alachua County
schools during the week of Oct. 27-31. Red Ribbon Week provides an
ideal way for all students, parents and community members to take a
visible stand against drugs, and to show their personal commitment to
a drug-free lifestyle.

The red ribbon is a catalyst and a symbol for more than 80 million
Americans who show that, ribbon by ribbon, neighborhood by
neighborhood, community by community, they are united for a drug-free
youth.

This nationwide celebration has become a major force for raising
public awareness and mobilizing communities to combat alcohol, tobacco
and other drugs.

What a miracle it would be if one week of celebrating the evils of
alcohol, tobacco and other drugs solved the drug problem among youth
in our country. Parents and schools must keep the spirit of this week
alive all year.

According to Gwendolyn Love, prevention services coordinator for the
Corner Drug Store, here are a few things you can give your children to
help them from becoming involved with drugs: Educate yourself about
the signs and symptoms of drug abuse; start talking about drugs with
your preschoolers; show love and affection as your children grow;
provide a safe and stable family environment; provide consistent and
fair discipline.

Each one of us can make a difference by keeping the spirit of Red
Ribbon Week alive all year. Together we can keep our children - our
future - safe and drug-free.

Sharon Spreen, teacher specialist, Safe and Drug-Free Schools, School
Board of Alachua County