Preventing drug abuse is the focus during Red Ribbon Week and Governor's conference

Posted: Updated:

By Melissa Johnson - bio | email

By Donna Wallace-King - email

More newsMore>>
Nearly all US states see hefty drop in teen births
Nearly all US states see hefty drop in teen births
The nation's record-low teen birth rate stems from robust declines in nearly every state, but most dramatically in several Mountain States and among Hispanics, according to a new government report.More >>
The nation's record-low teen birth rate stems from robust declines in nearly every state, but most dramatically in several Mountain States and among Hispanics, according to a new government report.More >>
Urban renewal? Big US cities showing strong growth
Urban renewal? Big US cities showing strong growth
Urban renewal? New census estimates show that most of the nation's largest cities further enhanced their allure last year, posting strong population growth for a second straight year.More >>
Urban renewal? New census estimates show that most of the nation's largest cities further enhanced their allure last year, posting strong population growth for a second straight year.More >>
Deck collapse underscores dangers of overcrowding
Deck collapse underscores dangers of overcrowding
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 12:57 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:57:52 GMT
A deck collapse Monday night in Millbrook left several teens injured. It happened at a graduation party. As we move into the summer season, this incident underscores the need to make sure decks aren'tMore >>
A deck collapse Monday night in Millbrook left several teens injured. It happened at a graduation party. As we move into the summer season, this incident underscores the need to make sure decks aren't overloaded. More >>
Japanese climber, 80, becomes oldest atop Everest
Japanese climber, 80, becomes oldest atop Everest
An 80-year-old Japanese extreme skier who just missed becoming the oldest man to reach the summit of Mount Everest five years ago is back on the mountain to make another attempt at the title.More >>
An 80-year-old Japanese mountaineer on Thursday became the oldest person to reach the top of Mount Everest - although his record may last only a few days. An 81-year-old Nepalese man, who held the previous record, plans his...More >>
Returning serviceman surprises his kids at school
Returning serviceman surprises his kids at school
Updated: Thursday, May 23 2013 12:46 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:46:11 GMT
From the looks of the outside, it appears to be a normal day at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School St. Bede's campus. But the end of the year excitement is on for these second graders. That's whereMore >>
An airman's homecoming turns into the chance of a lifetime for one family. Thanks to some good planning, a father returning from an overseas deployment gets to make his daughter's dream come true...literally.More >>

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

This week is Red Ribbon Week, a time that people all over the country take a visible stand against drug abuse. The national Red Ribbon campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people.

This year's theme is The Best Me is Drug Free. People will be wearing red ribbons this week to show a personal commitment to a drug free lifestyle. The Alabama Red Ribbon Coalition hosted a kick-off event for area fourth and fifth graders at the Dunn Oliver Acadome and several area schools have their own Red Ribbon Week activities planned to teach youngsters about the dangers of drug abuse.

The Red Ribbon campaign was started when drug traffickers murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of drug-free America.

As states nationwide prepare for Red Ribbon Week, the problem of prescription drug abuse will be highlighted at a news conference this morning. The abuse of prescription drugs is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. At the conference, Governor Robert Bentley will kick off a drug abuse reduction academy, slated to be a year-long, nationwide effort.

Prescription drug abuse is the most common type of drug abuse after marijuana use among teens between the age of 12 and 17. To combat the growing problem, the National Governors Association is hosting this year-long project led by Alabama Governor Robert Bentley and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. The Prescription Drug Abuse Reduction Policy Academy is an exercise in strategic planning aimed at reducing prescription drug abuse.

In addition to Alabama and Colorado, the project will include five competitively selected states. The leadership of all states involved will have the goal of developing state strategies that take full advantage of all available tools and resources.

Drug abuse focus for Red Ribbon Week and governor's conference - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Preventing drug abuse is the focus during Red Ribbon Week and Governor's conference

More newsMore>>

Nearly all US states see hefty drop in teen births

Nearly all US states see hefty drop in teen births

Urban renewal? Big US cities showing strong growth

Urban renewal? Big US cities showing strong growth

Deck collapse underscores dangers of overcrowding

Deck collapse underscores dangers of overcrowding

Japanese climber, 80, becomes oldest atop Everest

Japanese climber, 80, becomes oldest atop Everest

Returning serviceman surprises his kids at school

Returning serviceman surprises his kids at school

Explore WSFA.com