CHARLESTON W.Va. (WVDN) – Today marks the start of Red Ribbon Week, a week to raise awareness of drug use and shine a light on the problems drugs cause in our communities. The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office is proud to be participating in several activities to spread the message of the importance of living a drug-free lifestyle.
“Red Ribbon Week reminds us that drug prevention starts with education and community action. Too many West Virginia families have suffered profound losses so we must do everything we can to ensure the next generation does not succumb to the crisis. By participating in Red Ribbon Week, we’re not just raising awareness—we’re investing in the future of our young people, teaching them to make healthy choices, and working to ensure that the next generation of West Virginians grows up free from the grip of addiction,” Attorney General JB McCuskey said.
Red Ribbon Week runs from October 23 – 31. Attorney General McCuskey will be speaking at an event at Chapmanville High School on Thursday, October 30th. The Attorney General’s Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery will also be attending events at schools throughout West Virginia.
Attorney General Office’s Red Ribbon Week Schedule, media members are invited to attend:
October 27 – Mingo Central High School 12:30pm, Josh Barker, WVAGO Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery
October 29 – Ripley Middle School 8:15am, Josh Barker, WVAGO Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery
October 29 – The View School of Madison 1:00pm, Josh Barker, WVAGO Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery
October 30 – Chapmanville High School 1:00pm, Attorney General JB McCuskey and Josh Barker, WVAGO Director of Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery
About Red Ribbon Week:
In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.
The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.
