Empowered Texas Youth Pledge to Stay Drug-Free at Red Ribbon Rally

AUSITN, TX -- Today, more than 900 fifth and sixth graders from across the state participated in the 22nd Annual Red Ribbon Rally kickoff event at the state Capitol. The rally served as the statewide kickoff to Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the United States, which encourages millions of students nationwide to refrain from using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

“Texas Health and Human Services Commission is excited to support and promote prevention efforts by hosting the Red Ribbon Week Kickoff. We know that the best prevention results come from partnerships and teamwork of communities working together to plan and build prevention programs that work,” said Trina Ita, HHS associate commissioner of Behavioral Health Services. “This event signifies those partnerships and the importance of raising awareness for our youth in an effort to combat the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.”

Sponsored by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the event was an opportunity to educate students and the public through fun and memorable activities. The event utilized the theme, “Living my best drug-free life,” and aimed to motivate students to pledge their commitment to a drug-free life.

“Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth works to create a future where alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs have no place in the lives of youth, and this event empowers youth directly. It gives them the opportunity to experience civic engagement and teaches them how to advocate for environments that are free from harmful substances,” said Georgianne Crowell, director of community outreach and education of Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth. “As adults, it is our responsibility to create communities where our youth can thrive.”

Today’s rally featured interactive activities created and facilitated by Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth, the statewide coalition working to support and create healthier and safer communities for Texas youth. Students marched with their posters up the Great Walkway leading to the south steps of the Capitol, where they participated in a closing rally with a Texans Standing Tall youth engagement speaker to learn more about the legislative process and reinforce the event’s key messages.

The Red Ribbon campaign was created in memory of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena, who was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico in 1985.

For information about the state’s substance abuse prevention efforts, visit our website.