Statewide activities mark Red Ribbon Week

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Statewide activities

mark Red Ribbon Week

The Red Ribbon Campaign, a week-long drug prevention and awareness campaign,

is a statewide event involving youth, families schools and communities. Georgia

has participated in the campaign since 1987 to educate youth, in particular,

on the importance of living a drug free life. Hundreds of Red Ribbon Week

activities are scheduled throughout the state of Georgia from Oct. 23-31.

"The rise in methamphetamine abuse is the latest reminder that we must

remain vigilant in promoting a drug-free lifestyle in communities across

Georgia," said Governor Sonny Perdue, chair of the Georgia Red Ribbon

Campaign. "Red Ribbon Week gives us all the opportunity to send a strong

message that drugs are the wrong choice."

For the most recent data available:

- Meth-related admissions to Georgia drug treatment programs have more than

tripled from 451 in 1997 to 2,793 in 2003.

- An estimated 57,000 Georgia youth ages 12-17 are current users of illicit

drugs.

- Georgia youth experienced 5,489 drug or alcohol related arrests.

- Alcohol consumption begins at an average age of 13.5 years, while marijuana

use begins at an average age of 14.1 years.

- Alcohol and cigarette use increase dramatically between the ages of

15 and 18, with a third of 18 year olds reporting alcohol use within the

past

30 days.

"Substance abuse remains one of the most serious threats to our families

and communities," said Gwen Skinner, Georgia Department of Human Resources'

Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and

Addictive Diseases. "Prevention efforts are key as we establish a new

standard of excellence for addressing these issues."

"The red ribbon symbolizes our resolve against drug abuse, and with

the spike in meth use, there is no time more important than now to stiffen

our resolve," said Becky Vaughn, President and Chief Executive Officer

of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse. "Individuals will wear red

ribbons showing their pledge to not use illegal drugs. There will be events

in schools and communities across the state to raise awareness and to show

our commitment to reducing the demand for drugs."

The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse coordinates the Red Ribbon Campaign

under contract with DHR's DMHDDAD. The Council has distributed 50,000 red

ribbons and 10,000 activity planning guides across the state.

To encourage prevention based on science and best practices, Governor Perdue

and DHR, along with the Georgia Red Ribbon Campaign recognizes those who

conduct activities designed to produce meaningful results. The Governor will

present awards to competition winners in a ceremony at the Capitol in February.

The annual Red Ribbon Campaign represents a key component of a broader,

more comprehensive programming effort to reduce substance use among Georgia

youth that includes implementation of science-based programs such as Too

Good For Drugs, Life Skills Training, All Stars, and Second Step across the

state.

"Years of ongoing federally supported work in the area of promoting

the science of substance abuse prevention fully complement DHR's commitment

to making children a top priority," stated Brenda Rowe, Prevention Chief

for DHR/MHDDAD.