WNY United Against Drug & Alcohol Abuse, Inc.
YOLO. Be Drug Free
Red Ribbon Week 2016
National Red Ribbon Week
is October 23-31 but we
fight every day
The true meaning of this year’s
Red Ribbon Week Theme
(adapted from Brian Green on redribbon.org)
The phrase “YOLO,” or “you only live once” has
grown in popularity in recent years due to the
association with music and pop culture. For some,
it’s an excuse to pursue a high-risk lifestyle. In
American pop culture, drinking and drug use are
often portrayed as a norm, when really they are not.
Fortunately in our community, the Erie County
To many others, “YOLO” is the reason why most
Opioid Task Force has been hard at work creating
youths don’t use drugs and alcohol. They know
solutions for many different audiences. Most
recently three initiatives have officially launched with they only have one chance at life and don’t want
the first being a Crisis Peer Response Team which will to waste it on drugs and alcohol. They pick healthy
activities and take good care of their bodies and
work with addicts, especially those who have
minds while refraining from unhealthy behaviors
survived overdoses, to navigate through the
that could cause long-term damage. Let’s embrace
treatment system. The second initiative to be
launched was the addiction hotline, open 24 hours a the positive message behind “YOLO. Be Drug Free”
and remind everyone that it means to live your best
day and seven days a week. The phone number is
life, take care of your body and mind and remain
716-831-7007. The third initiative was Rapid
drug free.
Evaluation for Appropriate Placement, or REAP. The
program encourages addicts and their families to
come directly to police for assistance in getting the
appropriate treatment. Among other initiatives is
training for doctors, family support groups, Narcan
training, and community
education and outreach.
Across America we are facing an opioid crisis
affecting those from all walks of life. While new laws
have been passed to conquer some of the problems,
combating this scourge will take time.
While these are solutions, the best way to never have
a problem is by taking preventative measures. Talk to
your kids and listen to them. Get rid of old
prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet. If it is
necessary to have them in the house, monitor them.
Try to seek alternative remedies for pain. Living a
healthy lifestyle, exercise and proper nutrition are
some of the best solutions. Do not ignore mental
health either as a healthy body coincides with a
healthy mind.
If you or someone you know are in need of
assistance, please seek out help and know you are
not alone. While Red Ribbon Week may only be
celebrated once a year, the challenges we face as
a community are recognized and fought each and
every day.
Why a Red Ribbon?
In 1985, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Agent, Enrique Camarena, was kidnapped, tortured, and
killed by drug lords. He left behind a wife, three young sons, and a community outraged by the senseless
destruction caused by drugs. Residents in his hometown of Calexico, California began wearing red ribbons
in his honor. Shortly thereafter, the National Family Partnership adopted red ribbons as a symbol of its
commitment to fight the illegal use of drugs. National Red Ribbon Week has become the most visible time
of year for substance abuse prevention efforts.
YOLO. Be Drug Free.
Red Ribbon Activities
• Participate in WNY United’s coloring activity and
earn tickets to the annual “Red Ribbon Baseball
Game” with the Buffalo Bisons next spring! Or, snap
us a photo of you doing something healthy!
• The contest and details are available in the insert
here! Entries will be accepted until November 18th!!
• Decorate the school with red bows.
• Have “wear red” day at school, everyone wears
a red shirt/socks/shoes, etc. Plan other spirit days
throughout the week.
• Schedule a speaker to talk to the students about the dangers of substance abuse.
• Make small red bows for students and staff members to wear every day during Red Ribbon Week.
Those who wear it every day win a prize.
• Deliver a drug prevention message every day during the morning announcements.
• Make healthy choices! Pick an apple instead of a donut and run around after school rather than sitting in front of the TV!
• Use the theme to decorate each classroom door
and then each class competes for the best door.
• Host your own rally!
• Sign the Pledge To Grow Up Safe, Healthy & Drug
Free. Create a “Wall of Pledges” in the main hallway.
• Join WNY United & “March Against Drugs.” On
October 26, simply lead a short walk around your
school grounds, community or business to signify
that drugs have no place in our community.
Remember, WNY United is on Facebook & Twitter,
so be sure to share photos of your walk with us!
• facebook.com/WNYUnited
• twitter.com/wny_united
• Get more facts & take the pledge on the next
page!
®
Understanding the dangers of drug use and abuse.
Spreading the word to family and friends about the importance of being healthy and drug free.
Download tips for fun Red Ribbon activities at www.redribbon.org
Copyright © 2016 National Family Partnership.
Respecting myself and being drug free.
1195 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
Order Form:
Item Description
2016 Red Ribbon Celebration
Qty.
Each
Cost
1. “A Healthy Me is Drug Free” Sticker Ribbon
$ .05
2. “I Promise to Be Drug Free!” Pencil (red w/ white lettering)
$ .25
3. “I Promise to Be Drug Free!” Bick Stick Pen (red w/ white lettering)
$ .50
4. “Say Boo to Drugs!” Round Sticker (1 3/4 sticker with ghost image)
$ .05
5. “Proud to Be Drug-Free!” Silicone Bracelet 80% off!
$ .20
Total
Cost
Total Materials Cost
All items available while supplies last.
Order early to avoid disappointment.
Plus 10% Shipping & Handling
(Shipping Charge Minimum of $4.00)(Shipping Charge Maximum of $40.00)
Total Order
Bill / Ship to:
Name_________________________________________________________________________
Make checks payable
to:
WNY United, Inc.
Address______________________________________________________________________
Mail to:
WNY United
1195 Niagara Street
Buffalo, NY 14213
City, State, Zip________________________________________________________________
Attn: Beth Milks
[email protected]
Phone_________________________________________________________________________
Questions?
Call 821-7722, ext. 310
Organization_________________________________________________________________