[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 210 (Tuesday, October 30, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 54905-54906]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-27444]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 210 / Tuesday, October 30, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 54905]]


                Proclamation 7489 of October 24, 2001

                
National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America, 
                2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Drug and alcohol abuse in America annually create 
                staggering societal costs and prevent millions of 
                people from reaching their full potential at school, on 
                the job, and in their communities. The Department of 
                Health and Human Services estimates that approximately 
                14 million Americans use illegal drugs and 17 million 
                Americans are alcoholics or abusers of alcohol. To 
                improve the well-being of our Nation and to protect our 
                people, we must continue to make the prevention and 
                treatment of drug and alcohol abuse a national 
                priority.

                The rate of abuse of drugs and alcohol by our Nation's 
                youth is cause for alarm. Currently, 3 million young 
                people between the ages of 14 and 17 have an alcohol 
                problem, and more than half of America's school-age 
                children have tried illegal drugs by the time they have 
                finished high school. Research indicates that youth who 
                avoid the early use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana 
                are less likely to engage in other harmful behaviors 
                such as crime, delinquency, and other illegal drug use. 
                That is why we must clearly communicate to America's 
                youth that drug and alcohol abuse is dangerous and 
                harmful to both their health and their future.

                Through the efforts of families, law enforcement 
                officers, healthcare professionals, teachers, and 
                dedicated community activists, we have made progress in 
                the ongoing war against substance abuse. To continue 
                this progress, my Administration is implementing a 
                comprehensive, results-oriented strategy for reducing 
                illegal drug use in America. We will work cooperatively 
                with other nations to help eradicate illegal drugs at 
                their source. We will increase border security to stop 
                the flow of these drugs into America. And we will 
                provide Federal support to local law enforcement 
                agencies in combating drug trafficking networks.

                The most effective way, however, to reduce the cycle of 
                youth drug addiction and the crime it causes is to 
                reduce demand. This effort begins at home; and it 
                depends upon the active participation of families, 
                schools, and community organizations in education and 
                outreach programs that clearly communicate to children 
                the dangers inherent in drug and alcohol abuse.

                On the occasion of ``National Red Ribbon Week for a 
                Drug-Free America,'' Laura and I are pleased to serve 
                as Honorary Chairpersons of the 2001 National Red 
                Ribbon Campaign. We join all Americans in saying that 
                we will no longer tolerate the destructive impact that 
                drug and alcohol abuse have had on our homes, schools, 
                workplaces, and highways. With strong resolve and 
                creative leadership, we can protect our communities 
                from the preventable dangers of substance abuse and 
                restore dignity and character to millions of men, 
                women, and children who are addicted to drugs and 
                alcohol.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim the period beginning October 
                23 through October 31, 2001, as National Red Ribbon 
                Week for a Drug-Free America. I encourage citizens to 
                support activities that raise

[[Page 54906]]

                awareness and encourage prevention of substance abuse. 
                I also call upon every American to wear a red ribbon 
                throughout the week in recognition of their commitment 
                to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle and our commitment to 
                a drug-free America.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-fourth day of October, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-27444
Filed 10-29-01; 11:38 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P