By james art LAREDO, Texas (KGNS) – The largest drug prevention campaign in the US is underway. Here in Laredo, schools are participating in raising awareness among students.
From cheering to learning and lots of games, the 5th grade students at Alma Pierce Elementary came together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week.
The message is very clear; to make healthy decisions and be aware of the consequences that come from drug use.
The Webb County Sheriff’s Office goes from school to school giving presentations on staying drug free.
Students were not only taught about the consequences of drug use, but also questioned about it.
Zoe Garcia, a student at Alma Pierce Elementary, mentioned, “Don’t trust strangers and don’t go with them. Always say “stranger danger” and let your parents check your candy. You don’t know what might be in them like needles or other things that might hurt you, and also don’t go into the first aid kit because it might be expired and make you very sick.’
They were also taught the difference between prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Another student, Jose Mendoza, noted, “What to do if you’re being peer pressured and that there’s also some good medicine like your medicine and all that kind of stuff.”
Red Ribbon Week is a symbol of drug awareness and education among children.
The sheriff’s office says starting kids at a young age can prevent them from using them as they get older.
“I asked the mentor to bring out the fifth graders because next year is very important for them. They need to know and learn about peer pressure and choosing their friends when they go to middle school,” said Webb County Constable Pct. 1, Lt. Jonathan Gonzalez.
Alma Pierce wasn’t the only school participating in the event, other Laredo students pledged to stay drug-free.
Older students had the opportunity to hear about the various resources available to them to prevent and fight addiction.
The national Red Ribbon Week movement began many years ago after Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was killed in Mexico in 1985 while fighting illegal drugs and cartels.
To keep his memory alive, people started wearing red ribbons to encourage children to participate in drug prevention activities.
Red Ribbon Week takes place every year from October 23 to 31.
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