KYCC’s Prevention Education Unit participated in this year’s Red Ribbon Week by partnering with local schools to inform and raise awareness about drug abuse among school-aged youth. Prevention Education staff visited 3 different middle schools – Vista Charter Middle School, John Liechty Middle School and Berendo Middle School – the week of October 23 through October 30, 2019.

The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is October 23 through October 31 each year. This year’s theme was, “Send a Message, Stay Drug Free” which is a call to action in support of healthy choices. The theme is also a reminder that by staying drug free, you are sending a message to yourself and others about how much you value yourself, your overall health, your community and your future. Red Ribbon Week reaches over 80 million people each year through the United States.

KYCC’s staff discussed the dangers of underage drinking and drug use with over 300 youth participants through various informational activities. A large tobacco display detailed various tobacco products commonly misused by under-age youth and their effects. The fatal vision goggle obstacle course helped middle schoolers better understand the physical effects of alcohol impairment on the body and brain.

A youth navigator commented, “Thank you for always keeping our youth in mind for Red Ribbon Week. We are experience a lot of issues with drug use with all grade levels and they need to be reminded of the impact drugs have on them today and their future.” A youth participant also said, “This activity is awesome…it helps me understand more [about drugs]… I want my friends to see this so they can also learn.”

Our community outreach efforts in participation of Red Ribbon Week were funded by Los Angeles Department of Public Health – Substance Abuse Prevention & Control (SAPC).