RED RIBBON WEEK: IT'S A WEEK TO SHOW WE CARE

Locally, this is Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign initiated six years ago to symbolize a commitment to a drug-free, healthy lifestyle.

Students and workers in the Cape Girardeau-Jackson area will be wearing red ribbons, and red ribbons will be displayed on some buildings to show support for a drug-free society. Through a unified awareness effort, the campaign strives to stress upon young people that society frowns upon those who push and use illegal drugs and, or, abuse alcohol.

In Missouri, the campaign is a joint effort of the Missouri Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth and the state's Department of Mental Health, Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Many businesses and schools are joining in the campaign armed with the slogan, "Show Me Drug Free."

Tragedy often prompts awareness, and such is the case with Red Ribbon Week. Initiation of the campaign in 1985 by the Virginia Federation of Parents and the Illinois Drug Education Alliance followed the killing of federal agent Enrique Camarena by drug traffickers. Thus, the National Red Ribbon Campaign evolved into a display of the nation's intolerance to a painful drug problem.

Although the death of agent Camarena served as a springboard for the campaign, countless others have died fighting the war against drugs. Innocent people are murdered daily by delirious drug users turned violent to perpetuate their nasty habit. Even more people die needlessly and are seriously injured in automobile accidents caused by drunk or otherwise drug-impaired drivers.

Countless numbers of family members of drug and alcohol abusers suffer almost constant emotional pain from having to watch loved ones die a slow death or otherwise bring ruination upon their lives. Many of these innocent victims, who have not sought comfort through support groups, bear the pain alone.

The red ribbons being displayed this week will bring people in all walks of life together to show that a caring society stands firmly behind our young people who have the fortitude to say no to drugs and alcohol. Education and awareness go hand-in-hand in helping young people choose not to use drugs and alcohol. Let's let our youth know this week that we're on their side.