[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 43 (Monday, October 29, 2001)]
[Pages 1545-1546]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7489--National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America, 
2001

 October 24, 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 
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.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:38 a.m., October 29, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 30.

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