BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Mayor Jim Conley and the city council declared Oct. 23 to 31 as Red Ribbon Week during the Oct. 1 meeting.

“The city of Blairsville values the health and safety of all our citizens,” stated Mayor Jim Conley “substance abuse is particularly damaging to one of our most invaluable resources our children and a contributing factor to the three leading causes of death of children – accident, homicide, and suicide.”

Mayor Conley reads Red Ribbon Week proclamation.

The goal of Red Ribbon Week is to involve the entire community and promote awareness and prevent drug use among young people. Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 by the National Family Partnership (NFP), formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth. It is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to educating children, teenagers, and parents about the dangers of drugs.

“Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.” –NFP

The Red Ribbon has helped millions of people around the world. It began as a response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America.

“I urge all citizens to join me in the special observance,” said Conley.

During the week, everyone is asked to wear a red ribbon all week to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs and educate others.

NFP’s work has nearly 100 Partners, consisting of local coalitions, PTO groups, and parent committees, which share resources, information, and ideas.

For those interested NFP has a pledge on its website for parents and children to sign and demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free culture.