MADD Teen Influencer
October 2023
By Ben Haworth Celebrate Red Ribbon Week 2
“Be Kind to Your Mind” - How to
Since its launch in 1988 to honor the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, Red Ribbon Week (October 23_31) remains one of our nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention awareness campaigns. This year’s theme is, “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” The theme was submitted by Danielle Helm, a Youth Service Coordinator from Russell County Middle School in Russell Springs, Kentucky. The idea
Invite a law enforcement officer to speak at school assembly about the dangers of drug use. Invite parents as well or create two separate events. We do this event every year at my school during the month of October and it has quite an impact on both parents and students. During sporting events, promote Red Ribbon week by handing out red ribbons along with information to students and parents. This can be especially successful during a football homecoming game or any game where there is a large school community in attendance. Start a Red Ribbon Club at your school that meets frequently to promote drug prevention year round. Include an article in your school newspaper behind this is that drug use alters brain development and inhibits growth. Using drugs reduces the levels of dopamine, endorphins, and seratonin in our brains, all essential ingredients that help us feel happiness in a natural way. In addition to participating in annual Red Ribbon photo and PSA video contests, students, their caregivers, and teachers can use this week as an opportunity to speak to children about the dangers of drug use. Here are some tips and creative suggestions to get your school or organization more involved and celebrate this important week in your community.
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