Red Ribbon Week Focuses on Reducing Drug and Alcohol Abuse

SAN ANGELO, TX- Ambleside students, along with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council for the Concho Valley (ADACCV), Concho Valley CARES, Tom Green Sheriff’s Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety kicked off Red Ribbon Week today. The event will run through October 28.

This initiative looks to bring a drug-free community in cities and towns across America. The first event had Ambleside students come to take the pledge of saying no to drugs.

Tom Green County Sheriff David Jones spoke of the consistent drug crimes committed by those in the Tom Green Detention Facility.

“Drugs and Alcohol ruin lives,” he said to the students. “This morning, I had 522 people in jail, and a majority of those people are there because of drugs and alcohol.”

DPS Trooper Justin Baker also spoke to the students about the history of Red Ribbon Week, and why he believes it’s important to address drug abuse in San Angelo.

The initiative started after the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, which led to parents and youths across the country to start wearing red ribbons as a symbol of the commitment to raise awareness of drugs, and the violence caused by using them, according to redribbon.org.

“[Agent Camarena] dedicated his life to fighting the war on drugs, “Baker said. “ He knew the risks, and despite knowing his life was on the line, he was set on protecting the innocent from drugs.”

Red Ribbon week is there to remember Agent Camarena’s legacy, and continue to uphold the opposition of drugs in local communities.

“Each and every one of you can help local law enforcement by saying no to drugs,” Baker said.

He also outlined what crimes law enforcement see every day, including burglaries, assaults, and even murders; they stem from drug use. By pledging to say no to drugs, members of the community can help aid law enforcement officers in reducing those crimes.  

Alejandra Smith, a freshman at Ambelside, voiced her concerns for those who are the same age as her, and who have decided to take drugs.

“I wouldn’t want to say the wrong [words] to them, but I also don’t want to see it become a serious problem for their health,” Smith said.

She mentioned addressing those people by telling them about the risks of addiction and the hardships that can come from using drugs.

Red Ribbon Week will also host a Trunk or Treat event October 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, located at 2121 Martin Luther King.

The event will consist of local organizations and churches promoting community efforts to raise awareness of the dangers in using alcohol and drugs. For more information, contact Latonya Smith at [email protected].