Smithtown Horizons and Youth Bureau Hold Drug Awareness Campaign for Red Ribbon Week
The Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling and Education Center, in partnership with the Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau, is encouraging Smithtown township K-12 students to participate in a creative and fun initiative. Students are invited to create a self-portrait using this year’s Red Ribbon theme, Drug Free Looks Like Me. Participants should put their initials and age on the bottom of their piece of artwork. They can draw, color, paint, or even use computer graphics to artistically edit a selfie photo. Town Certificates of Community Service will be provided for participants in this community service opportunity.
“Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs that face our community. It encourages parents, children and the community to promote drug-free lifestyles. This year’s theme 'Drug Free Looks Like Me' encourages youth to be themselves and show other young people that not all youth try or use drugs and alcohol. We’re happy to be partnering with the Town Youth & Community Alliance and Youth Bureau to engage an even greater number of students in this initiative.” - Kelly DeVito, Horizons Youth Services Coordinator
According to RedRibbon.org, children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those whose parents do not. Yet, only a quarter of teens surveyed report having these types of conversations. Alcohol and drug use has reached near epidemic levels, and it is important to be open and honest about these issues so that the stigma of addiction is taken away.
An online gallery will be posted on the official Town of Smithtown Youth & Community Alliance website in early November showcasing all student artwork. Red Ribbon coloring sheet templates are also available on the Alliance website for younger participants. To send in your self-portrait, email a photo of your completed artwork to youthb@smithtownny.gov. All submissions are due by October 29th.
About the National Red Ribbon Week Campaign:
National Family Partnership is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration. They are helping citizens across the country come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign. It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon, October 23-31. Visit www.redribbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week and to get helpful tips regarding talking to your kids about drugs. The life you save may be that of your own child or a dear friend.