Red Ribbon Week underway
National Red Ribbon Week is underway, which occurs each year from Oct. 23-31.
This year’s Red Ribbon Campaign Theme is “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug-Free.”
The theme, submitted by Danielle Helm, a Youth Service Coordinator from Russell County Middle School in Russell Springs, Ken., is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live drug-free!
Several Okmulgee County schools have kicked off the week with programs and themes to promote living drugfree.
On Monday, Green Country Technology Center students and staff wore their favorite night time gear with the theme “Follow Your Dreams and Stay Drug-Free.” Other activities are planned for the week.
At Okmulgee Primary School, Red Ribbon Week kicked off with special guest speaker Coach Randy Jackson. Dewar Schools have themed dress up days including this Friday, which will be “I’m Thrilled to be Drug-Free!” with students dressing up like Michael Jackson or a zombie from the “Thriller” video.
The National Family Partnership sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988.
The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs.
Be sure to check Friday’s edition of the Okmulgee Times for our Red Ribbon Week sponsor ads, which will feature tips and slogans to help keep our county living drug-free.
– Information Session Planned A city-wide community discussion and information session on Fentanyl and Opioid Use, along with the usage of Narcan, will be held Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, located at 5th & Seminole in Okmulgee. The public is invited to attend and hear from Ric Sturman of the Muscogee Nation Tribal Opiate Response Team, who will serve as facilitator. The event will include presentations and a time for questions and answers.