HANCOCK COUNTY — Officials who battle drug addiction and drug crimes on a daily basis want people to know this week has been Red Ribbon Week — a time set aside to raise awareness for drug prevention during the final days of Substance Abuse Prevention Month.
Local law enforcement officials say substance abuse has a devastating impact on local communities, affecting everyone from adults to children and youth. Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton noted drug abuse not only damages the health of individuals but also causes disruption in families, trauma for children and a decline in our community’s well-being.
“Prevention efforts like Red Ribbon Week and Substance Abuse Prevention Month are key to halting the drug epidemic and fostering better health for our families and fellow citizens,” Eaton said.
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign aimed at keeping kids in our country drug-free. Started by the National Family Partnership in 1985, this initiative raises awareness by mobilizing communities and schools to educate youth and promote drug prevention activities. During Red Ribbon Week, officials like to highlight the importance of living a drug-free life and work to reinforce drug-free messages for children and students.
Alongside Red Ribbon Week, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month provides an opportunity for communities to partner in the prevention of drug use.
‘By raising awareness for these causes, we advocate for the prevention of substance abuse and its associated harms to individual well-being and community health,” Eaton said.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration encourages citizens to “Tell the prevention story” by sharing how prevention is improving lives, demonstrating that prevention works, and showcasing its positive effects nationwide.
“Preventing drug abuse in people of all ages is critical to stopping use before it becomes a problem,” Eaton said. “If we can prevent drug use and abuse early on, we can avoid many of the negative consequences for individuals and improve outcomes for our families and communities.”
To celebrate Red Ribbon Week and Substance Abuse Prevention Month in October officials noted it’s a good time to consider talking to a friend, family member, or child about the dangers of drug use and encourage activities that lead to a safer community and better health for all citizens in Hancock County.
