Area schools are celebrating Red Ribbon this week

Area schools are celebrating Red Ribbon this week. Red Ribbon Week is a week where people, schools, and communities unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Some schools are focusing on healthy habits and healthy choices, with students pledging to be drug-free. At Waynesville Middle School, students are encouraged to wear red to kick off Red Ribbon Week on Monday.
On Tuesday, Waynesville Junior High students are encouraged to wear camouflage and learn that “drugs can’t find me.” It’s “Peace Out to Drugs” on Wednesday, with students wearing tie-dye clothing. Wear Tigers gear or colors on Thursday as “Tigers Choose a Drug-Free Life.” The Army Substance Abuse Program is observing Red Ribbon Week this week as well. You may notice some large red ribbons on display across Fort Leonard Wood this month. These are in honor of the Red Ribbon Campaign, which the Army Substance Abuse Program promotes each year.
According to the National Family Partnership, which coordinates Red Ribbon activities nationwide, more than 80 million people participate in Red Ribbon anti-drug events each year. The 2021 campaign theme, “Drug-Free Looks Like Me,” serves as a reminder that every day Americans across the country make valuable contributions to their communities by being the best they can be by living drug-free. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol issues, please reach out for help. Civilians and family members may contact the Employee Assistance Program at 573.596.7199. Service members can call Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care at 573.596.0522.