[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 162 (Wednesday, October 26, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1937-E1938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PLEDGE A DRUG-FREE LIFE DURING NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I hope schools, businesses, the faith 
community, families, and community organizations in our Manhattan 
Congressional District will join together this week in celebration of 
Red Ribbon Week, taking place October 22-30, 2011. By wearing red 
ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people 
have the opportunity to make a pledge to a drug-free life. Red Ribbon 
Week also honors DEA Special Agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena who died 
on February 7, 1985, while fighting against drug trafficking and abuse, 
as well as all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in 
the pursuit.
  Established in 1988, Red Ribbon Week is the nation's oldest and 
largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of 
Americans. The National Family Partnership estimates that more than 80 
million people participate in Red Ribbon events each year. The campaign 
is a unified way for communities to take a stand against drugs and show 
intolerance for illicit drug use and the consequences to all Americans.
  Nearly one million New Yorkers reported using illicit drugs in the 
past year (16%). The only way to change this trend is by educating our 
youth on the dangers and effects of illegal drugs with initiatives like 
Red Ribbon Week. I have seen firsthand how drug use can ruin a life, 
and the crippling effects it can have on families and neighborhoods. I 
ask our community to reach out to our children by helping them make a 
pledge to a drug-free life.

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