LETTERS: RED RIBBON WEEK FOR AWARENESS

To the editor:

Substance abuse is a major public health problem that affects millions of people. It destroys families, cripples the economy, victimizes the community and suffocates the education, criminal justice and social service systems. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 1995 an estimated 12.8 million Americans used illicit drugs.

Within the last five years there has been an increase in the use of drugs by youth in the United States. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable and can be greatly affected by the alcohol and drug use among their peers. These facts underscore the critical need to educate people, especially our young people, to the grave dangers of alcohol and other drugs.

The red ribbons you will see displayed during Red Ribbon Week (Oct. 23-31) are a symbol of freedom from the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Millions of people will be celebrating a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing red ribbons in support of Red Ribbon Week.

The Red Ribbon Week campaign promotes awareness and reminds people of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. The awareness campaign was started in 1985 as a tribute to Enrique Camarena, a fallen agent of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who was killed by drug lords. In response to his death in 1985, parents in communities all across the country began wearing red ribbons to raise awareness. It was Camarena's belief that one person can make a difference.

In recent months there has been some encouraging news. The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse was recently released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The survey cited a drop in drug use among teen-agers ages 12-17 from 10.9 percent in 1995 to 9 percent in 1996. It also reported drug use among all Americans remained steady, while marijuana use among youths dropped to 7.1 percent from 8.2 percent.

While this is a step in the right direction, it is only one study. Much work remains to be done. For example, other studies have shown that nationwide there are 10 million underage drinkers in the United States. Of these, we are told that 4.4 million are binge drinkers, and an additional 1.7 million are heavy drinkers. According to research, alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in the United States. It is followed by marijuana, and the use of both is on the rise. This is a disturbing trend that cannot be ignored.

Reversing these trends is a goal of the Missouri Department of Mental Health's Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Through its network of treatment programs, the Substance Abuse Traffic Offender Program and prevention activities, the division is committed in our efforts to help make Missouri a better place to live. One focus is on prevention through a network of resources from rehabilitation to community-based education.

The state's primary educational program is Community 2000, now in place in more than 150 communities, where resources from local groups, schools and families focus efforts on local needs. The Community 2000 program uses task forces to develop specific action plans to address issues around the use of alcohol and other drugs in the community. Since its inception, the Community 2000 program has generated positive results. Community 2000 teams are located in communities around the state, in suburbs, in cities and in rural areas.

We must continue our prevention and education efforts. It isn't enough to teach our children to just say no. We must education them about the effects of alcohol and substance abuse. Joining the national Red Ribbon Week campaign is a first step. However, a one-week campaign will not solve the problems. We must work hard every day of the year to remind young people of the devastating impact of alcohol and other drug abuse.

The concerned parents, civic leaders, schools and businesses that form the nucleus of the Community 2000 teams are involved every day of the year in making communities stronger and healthier for our children. These teams deserve our support.

MICHAEL COUTY, Director

Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Missouri Department of Mental Health

Jefferson City