Every year, neighbors across the U.S. come together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week in honor of fallen DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena’s memory and his battle against drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign pledge was inspired by the idea that it takes a community to teach prevention and embraces Agent Camarena’s belief that one person can make a difference.
It’s a week-long reminder for us to unite and take a visible stand against the dangers of drugs through educating our youth and encouraging them to stay healthy and avoid the risks of substance abuse.
We hope the children in your life had an opportunity to participate in creative and informative prevention activities with you and their classmates – from fun-filled themed days and decorated classrooms to coloring pages and drawing contests.
We also hope this awareness week sparked the start of open, honest conversations with your teens to help them develop into healthy adults. Did you know that teens who talk to their parents regularly about drugs are about 40% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t?
As a caregiver, you play a big role in your child’s life. Remember, it’s not about having one conversation, but keeping lines of communication open and tackling the subject as it comes up. Tap into their curiosity to lay the foundation for a productive discussion. For example, as you take your daily medications, talk to them about how taking the wrong medicine or taking medicine that isn’t especially for you could be dangerous. If you’re watching a movie with drug use, consider asking them how they feel about it.
Drug Prevention Resources and Activities
- Find tailored activities for caregivers, teachers, and students at redribbon.org.
- For more age-appropriate scenarios and tips, visit Partnership to End Addiction here.
- To learn the risks of teen substance abuse, visit the CDC here.
Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity – and challenge – for us to take a leadership role in drug prevention. Thanks for your partnership and pledge to live healthy, happy, and drug-free lives. With your support and commitment, we’ll continue to work together for stronger, healthier communities.
Have a fun and safe Halloween weekend with your loved ones. Like nearly everything else, Halloween this year will be different, but you can still make it special with a little planning and creativity. Before the Spooktacular festivities begin, follow COVID-19 precautions from Harris County Public Health and critical safety tips from our Community Engagement Division.
God bless you, and may God bless the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.