A proclamation by County Mayor Allen Foster declares October 23 – 31 as Red Ribbon Week in Cumberland County, taking part in the annual event.

The proclamation reads:

“Whereas, alcohol and drug abuse affect individuals, families, and communities across the Nation daily; and

Whereas, it is imperative that visible unified efforts by community members be launched to prevent drug abuse; and

Whereas, Red Ribbon Week offers citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug-free lifestyles; and

Whereas, this year, Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated in communities across the Nation on October 23rd to the 31st; and

Whereas, businesses, government, law enforcement, media, healthcare providers, religious institutions, schools, and other community-based organizations will demonstrate their commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles by wearing red ribbons and participating in drug prevention activities; and now,

Therefore, be it resolved that I, Allen Foster, Mayor of Cumberland county, do hereby proclaim October 23rd to the 31st as Red ribbon week.

And I encourage our community to participate in drug prevention education activities, not only during Red ribbon week, but also throughout the year, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug-free lifestyle.”

—-

According to Red Ribbon Week’s official website, National Family Partnership has been providing drug awareness by sponsoring the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign since 1985. The Red Ribbon campaign was launched in response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena. Parents and youth in communities across the United States started wearing Red Ribbons to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America.