Recognizing October 23-3lst as National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America.

WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated since 1986 when a Drug Enforcement Agent was kidnapped and killed for coming close to breaking up a drug cartel in Mexico. To honor this heroic agent, and to demonstrate their commitment to drug and alcohol prevention, family members and friends began wearing red ribbons; and

WHEREAS, Drug and alcohol abuse in America annually create staggering societal costs and prevent millions of people from reaching their full potential at school, on the job, and in their communities. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that approximately 14 million Americans use illegal drugs and 17 million Americans are alcoholics or abusers of alcohol; and

WHEREAS, The rate of abuse of drugs and alcohol by our Nation’s youth is cause for alarm. Currently, 3 million young people between the ages of 14 and 17 have an alcohol problem, and more than half of America’s school-age children have tried illegal drugs by the time they have finished high school. Research indicates that youth who avoid the early use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are less likely to engage in other harmful behaviors such as crime, delinquency, and other illegal drug use. That is why we must clearly communicate to America’s youth that drug and alcohol abuse is dangerous and harmful to both their health and their future; and

WHEREAS, The most effective way, however, to reduce the cycle of youth drug addiction and the crime it causes is to reduce demand. This effort begins at home; and it depends upon the active participation of families, schools, and community organizations in education and outreach programs that clearly communicate to children the dangers inherent in drug and alcohol abuse; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That October 23-31st be proclaimed National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug Free America. We encourage citizens to support activities that raise awareness and encourage prevention of substance abuse. I also call upon every American to wear a red ribbon throughout the week in recognition of their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, With creative leadership, we can protect our communities from the preventable dangers of substance abuse and restore dignity and character to millions of men, women, and children who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dana E. Dangerfield as Project Director of Germantown Settlement Health Initiatives who is actively involved in National Red Ribbon Week.

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