Pubdate: Sat, 01 Nov 2003
Source: Daily Reflector (NC)
Copyright: 2003 Daily Reflector
Contact:  http://www.reflector.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1456
Author: Latisha R. Gray
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/red+ribbon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PROGRAM HELPS POLICE RAISE AWARENESS ON ABUSING DRUGS

The Greenville Police Department spent Red Ribbon Week visiting schools to raise
awareness about drugs and the importance of staying drug-free.

Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, is celebrated by more than 100,000
schools and community organizations throughout the country.

The National Family Partnership organized the first nationwide Red
Ribbon campaign in 1988 in memory of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a U.S.
Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was killed in 1985 while
investigating a major drug cartel in Mexico.

In 1997, the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse began
committing resources to ensure the continuation of the Red Ribbon
Campaign in Texas, as well as the hopes and beliefs behind the
grassroots effort to protect children from the dangers of alcohol and
other drugs.

Sadie Saulter Elementary School finished its D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse
Resistance Education) program this week by celebrating Red Ribbon Week
with activities including Wear Red Day, Dress Up Day and School Spirit
Day.

On Wednesday, the students had lunch with 15 officers from the
Greenville Police Department. Officers set up a drug display board in
the cafeteria and handed out free Halloween bags and stickers.

"We are trying to reach out to children in the community," Detective
Dale Mills said. "More importantly, we are trying to get parents to
talk with their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol."

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than
half of school-age children will have tried an illegal drug before
graduation, and about 3 million U.S. teens have an alcohol problem.

"People shouldn't do drugs," fourth-grader Rockell Moore said. "You
might die or go to the hospital, and you'll have to have a tube to
breathe."

Principal Isabelle Wicker said she thinks most students are getting
the message about the dangers of drugs.

"Many kids know to just say 'no'", she said. "We've had about 90
percent of our students participate this week, and they seem very receptive."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin