Review of 2011 Red Ribbon Week in Delaware County!

MEDIA, PA — School districts, community groups, church members, boroughs and townships all across Delaware County celebrated Red Ribbon Week from October 23rd to 31st, celebrating drug-free communities and healthy lifestyles.  There were several activities and events held throughout the county.  Students sported Red Ribbons, community members wore lapel pins with a drug-free message, boroughs made proclamations, and schools decorated their classrooms.  

Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign that resulted from a 1985 crime, when Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was captured, tortured, and killed by drug traffickers at Mexico's border.  Agent Camarena was sent to Mexico to investigate drug cartels.  "Kiki's" family, friends, and supporters all wore red ribbons in honor of his commitment to fight against illegal drugs.  This is where the concept of wearing red ribbons and celebrating during that particular week came into play.  Each year, communities gather together to promote healthy living without alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. 

Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, Prevention and Education Services Dept. greatly supports Red Ribbon Week.  Throughout the month of October, approximately 3,000 lapel pins were distributed to different communities, organizations, and county departments.  The Delaware County Library System was given displays with flyers and pins for all 28 libraries.  Police officers in several boroughs and townships showed support by wearing pins on their uniforms.  Delcroft School in Darby, PA supported Red Ribbon week by participating in several activities during each day of the week including raffles, pledges, and daily themes. Guidance Counselor Janine Bristow and other school staff decorated the entire school and coordinated all Red Ribbon activities.  Students participated in various activities that taught them to embrace a drug-free lifestyle.  Overall, Holcomb was able to distribute approximately 4,500 different Red Ribbon items to community members.

Holcomb Prevention and Education Dept., funded by the Delaware County Office of Behavioral Health, 

Division of Drug and Alcohol, provides education, trainings, consultations, public awareness campaigns, prevention initiatives, student assessments and referrals as a part of a planned strategy to prevent or reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.  For more information, please visit our website at www.holcombprevention.com.