RED RIBBON WEEK

Red Ribbon Week Oct. 22-31 is Red Ribbon Week in Georgia. This week is set
aside to celebrate drug free lifestyles among our children. By mobilizing
our community to work for change, we have the opportunity to reduce
substance abuse, crime, injuries, disease and disabilities associated with
that abuse.

People abuse alcohol and drugs for many reasons from the belief that it
helps them cope with depression or other problems to curiosity or peer
pressure.

As a community, we can promote healthy lifestyles and discourage images
that might promote the abuse of alcohol or other drugs. We can provide
substance-free recreational alternative and develop social attitudes that
encourage "substance free" as the norm for our children.

We must discuss the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and act as mentors
and positive role models for our children. We should encourage our youth to
build on their artistic, athletic, academic and vocational abilities,
helping them develop positive self-images and tangible skills so they will
have better things to do than drugs.

Mercedes Jeffries
Health Educator
Macon