Schools, city recognizing drug prevention month

The Carson City Sheriff's Office, Carson City School District and Partnership Carson City are working together to prevent substance abuse by celebrating National Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-30.

Mayor Robert Crowell will be issuing a proclamation declaring October to be "Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Awareness Month."

"It's all about partnerships. We have joined with the schools, the Boys & Girls Club, civic organizations, churches, and non-profit agencies to get this message out into the community, 'Drug Abuse is Life Abuse' and we want everyone to be part of the solution," Sheriff Ken Furlong said in a press release.

Red Ribbon is one of the nation's largest substance abuse prevention awareness campaigns in the country. The National Family Partnership estimates 80 million people each year participate in Red Ribbon Week activities each year.

The Red Ribbon campaign has its roots in law enforcement. It is a national symbol established by Congress in 1988 commemorating the work of fallen D.E.A. Officer Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was murdered in the line of duty.

The Sheriff's Office is handing out red wristbands reading, "Drug Abuse is Life Abuse" to every student in the school district. Students at Empire and Seeliger elementary schools and Eagle Valley Middle schools have signed a "Drug Free Pledge" banner.

The Leadership Club at Fritsch is planning additional activities for students to participate in.

This is the fifth year the sheriff's office has provided the wristbands.

Businesses such as Grocery Outlet and Vital Signs have also participated, along with many local civic organizations and churches.

For more information or to request a Drug Abuse is Life Abuse wristband, call Lisa Davis at 775-887-2500 ext. 41930.