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Local students and the Prevention Unit of Rockbridge Area Community Services took part in the Red Ribbon Week national drug prevention awareness campaign last October.
The campaign began in 1988 as a tribute to Special Agent Enrique “KiKi” S. Camarena, a narcotics agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration who was killed in the line of duty in 1985. People in communities across the country began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America. Today, across the country, millions of youth celebrate RRW by wearing red ribbons, by participating in their schools’ anti-drug events, and by pledging to live drug-free lives. The theme for the 2023 campaign was “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.”
RACS Prevention Unit is in its 22nd year of funding from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. This grant funds the evidence-based prevention program Too Good for Drugs in Lexington and Buena Vista elementary and middle schools. Students in grades two through six learn about keeping their bodies healthy and how using drugs can get in the way of achieving their goals. Another component of this funding includes supporting a variety of RRW awareness activities in these schools.
October is also National Bullying Prevention Month and some of the local schools focus on anti-bullying activities as well that promote good character, kindness and being kind.
