Escambia County Superintendent Randall K. Little announced recently that Escambia County Schools will join Alabamians and others across the nation to raise awareness about drugs and encourage healthy choices as they celebrate National Red
Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31.

In a release, Donna Revel, attendance, at-risk and community education

Coordinator, said this year’s theme, “The Best Me is Drug Free,” helps create awareness of the drug problems facing every community; helps to develop parent and community teams to combat alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; and helps promote a drug-free lifestyle for all Alabamians.

Red Ribbon Week was established by Congress in 1988 to commemorate the work of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a drug enforcement administration agent who was murdered in the line of duty and has come to represent the belief that one person can make a difference in the fight against drugs. The Red Ribbon campaign was created to promote this belief and encourage a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts.

In Escambia County Schools each day of Red Ribbon Week, guidance counselors will have a theme with corresponding activities planned for the students.

According to Revel, “celebrating Red Ribbon Week allows us to raise awareness and encourage participation in drug-free activities. The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week. This is just one tool in a comprehensive continuum of prevention activities, and provides an excellent starting point for implementation of community-based prevention efforts that last all year long.”

Little also praised the program

“Sheriff Grover Smith and staff of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department are instrumental in coordinating activities for elementary and middle school students in the county, city and private schools,” Little said.

All law enforcement agencies in the county will take part in events including the exhibition of the BMX Extreme Bike Team.

Little said he challenges others to join Escambia schools and students celebrating “The Best Me is Drug Free.”

Revel said ways people can show support for the program include placing red ribbons and bows all over the community, as well as wearing a red ribbon on their person.