Pubdate: Fri, 24 Oct 2008
Source: Stuttgart Daily Leader (AR)
Copyright: 2008 GateHouse Media, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.stuttgartdailyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4709
Author: Bill Shrum
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Red+Ribbon (Red Ribbon Week)

SPREADING THE WORD

Stuttgart, Ark. - Since 1988, Arkansas has been involved in "Red 
Ribbon Week," which has given awareness to school-aged children about 
the choice of a drug-free lifestyle.

Red Ribbon week in Stuttgart will be held Oct. 27 through 31 and will 
feature a celebration rally from 3:30 to 5 p.m., Monday, Oct. 27 at 
the Reinsch Softball Complex on West 22nd and Buerkle Streets.

"Throughout the United States Red Ribbon Week is a celebration to 
bear witness to the efforts of one person who can make a difference 
in the fight against drugs," Beth Prine, of Community Organization 
for Drug Education (CODE), said.

Prine said Red Ribbon Week provides the community with an opportunity 
to renew the commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle and show 
the dedication to education and prevention efforts in the local 
school and community.

"In addition to our traditional rally," Prine said. "We are providing 
ribbons to community members to wear during the week as well as drug 
education pamphlets that will be passed out at businesses to their employees."

The red ribbon was chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of 
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a drug Enforcement Administration agent, who 
was murdered in the line of duty and has come to represent the belief 
that one person can make a difference, Governor Mike Beebe said.

"I urge my fellow citizens to wear red ribbons and to participate in 
drug-free activities throughout the week," Gov. Beebe said.

Gov. Beebe said local leaders, in government and in the community, 
know that support of people in their neighborhoods is the most 
effective tool in the effort to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco 
and other drugs by Arkansans.

"The schools will have activities each week," Prine said. "This is a 
time to celebrate and be aware of a drug-free environment."

If a business or organization would like to participate in the rally 
by having a booth, distribute red ribbons or by donation, contact 
Prine at (870) 674-1332.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom