Prevention Works and HOPE Chautauqua is inviting the community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 23-31.

Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community. It encourages parents, educators, business owners and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.

Prevention Works and HOPE Chautauqua are partnering with school districts in Chautauqua County and are providing 25 yard signs to help promote the celebration of Red Ribbon Week 2020.

The yard signs were purchased by Px21 through a grant from the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation. They were designed by media/environmental committee member Kate Chudoba from WNY United.

This year’s celebration will kick off with a Spirit Week from Oct. 26-30.

The Spirit Week is as follows: Oct. 26 — Wear your shirt backwards, Oct. 27 — Wear your favorite bow or tie; Oct. 28 — Wear neon colors, Oct. 29 — Pajama Day; and Oct. 30 — Dress like you’re from a different decade.

Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clean and consistent in their opposition to drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs.

In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, Calif., began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.

The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in communities.

Since 1974, Prevention Works, formerly known as CASAC, a United Way partner agency, has provided social emotional learning and the prevention of risky behaviors in Chautauqua County School Districts and our local community. Prevention Works is the only New York State Office of Addiction Services & Supports (OASAS) approved and supported alcohol and other drug prevention agency in Chautauqua County.

For further information about Prevention Works programs and services, call the Jamestown office at 664-3608, or the Dunkirk office at 366-4623, or go to Prevention Works’ website, www.preventionworks.us.

HOPE Chautauqua is a Drug Free Communities Coalition, an initiative of Prevention Works. HOPE’s mission is to create an environment where all youth can develop into healthy and productive adults through the promotion and implementation of healthy lifestyle choices and evidence-based, community-level substance use interventions. For more information, call 366-4623.