National Red Ribbon Week is being observed this week, October 23-31, with millions of young people and adults supporting healthy lifestyles by wearing or displaying a red ribbon.

This nationwide celebration has become a major force for raising public awareness and mobilizing communities to combat underage drinking and illegal drug use among youth.

Research shows that early illegal drug use is associated with negative consequences such as higher school dropout rates and a greater likelihood of violence and using weapons.

The murder of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent by drug traffickers in 1985 sparked National Red Ribbon Week. Then, a tradition of displaying red ribbons spread as a symbol of intolerance toward drug use.

This week, Red Ribbon Week events will be held at all parish schools to help strengthen prevention messages.

Many businesses have chosen to join the week as well with advertisements and next week, we will feature photos from various events at schools as part of our Red Ribbon Week Special Section along with those advertisements.

Look for that special section in next week’s edition.