2017 Red Ribbon Campaign Celebration

          Each year communities nationwide join together to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse by wearing a red ribbon from October 23rd to 31st, which is the National Red Ribbon Week.  However, on Guam, various activities have been scheduled throughout the month of October to celebrate the Red Ribbon Campaign. Guam’s Red Ribbon Committee includes local and federal agencies, and private and non-profit organizations that have partnered to increase awareness of the National Red Ribbon Campaign’s significance and promote a drug-free Guam. This year’s theme is “Your FUTURE is Key, So Stay DRUG FREE.” The campaign provides communities with a forum to bring together parents, schools and businesses to find new and innovative ways to keep kids drug free.

          Red Ribbon Week will kick off with a Proclamation Signing by Lt. Governor Raymond Tenorio at Upi Elementary School in Yigo, on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 9:00 AM and a Resolution Presentation on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Merizo Elementary School at 9:00 AM., hosted by Senator Frank Aguon, Jr. An elementary school drawing contest and island-wide gate/wall decorating contest and video contest is open to all schools. In addition, Committee members are conducting drug awareness presentations at various schools.

          The following activities have been scheduled for Red Ribbon Week 2017:

• Tuesday, September 26, 2017, Proclamation Signing by Lt. Governor Raymond Tenorio at Upi Elementary School, Yigo, 9:00am
• Friday, September 29, 2017, Resolution Presentation by Senator Frank Blas Aguon, Jr. at Merizo Elementary School, 9:00am
• Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, Community Outreach at the Micronesia Mall, 10:00am-2:00pm. Photos of Gate/Wall and Drawing contests will be on display and paper votes will be accepted.
• Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, Wear Red Day and Red Ribbon Wave in Hagatna at the Intersection of Route 1 and Route 4, 4:30-5:30pm. Red Ribbon Committee members and schools will wave to demonstrate commitment to the anti-drug campaign.
• Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017, Say “Boo!” to Drugs, Agana Shopping Center, 4:00pm-6:00pm, Elementary School Drawing Contest Winners, Gate/Wall Decorating Contest Winners and Video Contest Winners will be announced and awards presented.  Red Ribbon Committee will pass out candies to children who attend.
• Oct. 1-Oct. 31, 2017, Various TV, Radio and Print Media

          The first Red Ribbon Celebration was organized in 1986 by a grassroots organization of parents concerned about the destruction caused by alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers. The Campaign has reached millions of children and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress. Red Ribbon Week is a chance to be visible and vocal in our desire for a drug-free community. Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse.

          These activities are made possible by the Red Ribbon Campaign Committee, which is comprised of our government agencies, nonprofit and civic organizations, private sector, military counterparts, and our media partners.

          For more information about Red Ribbon Week, please contact Corina Andre at 647-6060.