The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) has teamed up with St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) to mark Red Ribbon Week, a national event promoting a drug-free lifestyle among students. This year’s campaign runs from October 23 to 31, featuring a theme that aims to inspire youth to live drug-free while embracing a healthy lifestyle.
Red Ribbon Week, sponsored by the National Family Partnership, is the largest and oldest drug prevention program in the United States. Each year, the campaign reaches millions of students nationwide, raising awareness of the importance of remaining drug-free and empowering young people to make safe and healthy choices. The annual event is observed by schools, communities, and organizations across the country with various activities and educational events designed to promote drug prevention.
This year’s theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free,” encourages students, educators, healthcare professionals, parents, and communities at large to play their part in fostering drug-free environments. The theme aims to show young people that the choices they make, including living drug-free, are integral to building a bright and healthy future.
The partnership between SMCHD and SMCPS allows the two organizations to engage with students through educational activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. These initiatives aim to provide students with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions about drugs, while also offering opportunities for them to participate in activities that reinforce the benefits of remaining drug-free.
Tammy Loewe, SMCHD’s Behavioral Health Division Director, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the public schools. “We appreciate our partnership with SMCPS in spreading the message of Red Ribbon Week each year to the students,” Loewe said. “By living drug-free, our youth can become the best self they can be.”
This partnership with the local schools underscores the importance of a united community effort in preventing drug abuse. Charles Eible, SMCPS Director of Safety and Security, highlighted the significance of working together to make a lasting impact on students. “Partnering with the Health Department allows us to strengthen our community’s commitment to promoting a drug-free lifestyle,” Eible said. “By working together, we can give students the education and resources they need to make healthy choices and lead empowered, drug-free lives.”
The activities planned for Red Ribbon Week will be conducted within St. Mary’s County schools, providing students with engaging and educational ways to learn about the benefits of staying drug-free. The program aims to support students in making positive decisions by focusing on health and well-being, fostering an environment where they feel empowered to lead drug-free lives.
The involvement of both the health department and public schools highlights a comprehensive approach to addressing drug prevention in the community. By offering educational materials and facilitating discussions on drug abuse prevention, the partnership ensures that students receive the information and support they need to thrive. The program also aims to extend its impact beyond the classroom, encouraging parents and guardians to engage in conversations about drug prevention at home.
Community members are encouraged to visit the SMCHD website at smchd.org/prevention for additional resources on drug prevention and recovery. The site offers valuable information to help families, educators, and healthcare providers address substance abuse prevention and recovery within their communities.
Red Ribbon Week serves as an important reminder of the power of collective action in preventing drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles among youth. By working together, organizations like SMCHD and SMCPS hope to foster a safer and healthier community for all residents.
