Red Ribbon Campaign Calls for Action Published Oct. 27, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Hillary A. Stonemetz 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Local schools participated in the Red Ribbon Campaign, the largest and oldest drug awareness and prevention campaign in the nation, from Oct. 18 through 26. The purpose of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to educate people of the dangers associated with illegal drug use. The theme this year is "Step it up: A call to action." Schools throughout the nation are encouraged to participate in coordinated activities to allow students to do something to raise anti-drug awareness. "We had a variety of different activities this year," said Cathy Williams, Bellevue Public Schools communications director. "We had poster contests, and handed out red ribbons as well as had the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. We had high school students go to the elementary schools to talk about the D.A.R.E. program." The D.A.R.E. program teaches students good decision making skills to help them avoid high-risk behavior such as substance abuse. According to the Red Ribbon Coalition, the Red Ribbon Campaign formed after the abduction and murder of Enrique Camerena, Drug Enforcement Agency special agent, in 1985. The campaign helps preserve Special Agent Camerena's memory and helps realize his vision to reduce the demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. A Mayor's Drug Commission breakfast will be held at 7:20 a.m. Friday at the Bellevue Public Schools Lied Activity Center. The breakfast will feature a guest speaker and performances by a drill team. The cost is $8. For reservations, call 293-5000. Some helpful resources: The Red Ribbon Coalition - www.redribboncoalition.com Drug Abuse Resistance Education - www.dare.com The Anti-drug - www.theantidrug.com Building Blocks for a Healthy Future - www.bblocks.samhsa.gov Stop Alcohol Abuse - www.stopalcoholabuse.gov Parents Resource Center - www.drugfree.org/parent Too Smart to Start - www.toosmarttostart.samhsa.gov Helping America's Youth - www.helpingamericasyouth.gov Free Vibe - www.freevibe.com U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - www.health.org