“It is imperative that visible, unified, preventive education efforts by community members be launched to reduce the demand for drugs.”

That’s a key line from a proclamation passed by the Iberia Parish School Board noting this week as “Red Ribbon Week,” trying to get across to students, and others, an anti-drug and anti-alcohol abuse message.

The wearing of red ribbons this week symbolizes support for this effort, encouraged not just in the school system but also by everyone in the parish.

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Tuesday was designated “Talk to Your Child Day” where parents and grandparents were encouraged to talk to children about harmful effects of drug or alcohol abuse. Certainly if someone missed that Tuesday, having such conversations today or any day could be worthwhile.

Today is “Wear Red Day” to show support for a drug-free lifestyle.

Thursday is “Pledge Day” when students will be asked to pledge to live drug-free lives.

And Friday is “Light the Way Day” where residents are asked to turn on porch lights to show support for this week’s anti-drug/anti-alcohol messages. In addition there will be special ceremonies at football games across the state to unite Louisiana as a drug-free state.

Clearly just wearing red clothing or displaying a red ribbon isn’t going to cure the problems of illegal drugs.

But if local students see community support of this anti-drug effort by people wearing red and displaying red ribbons, and even more importantly, if those students hear people they trust like parents, grandparents, educators and others talking about the importance of not abusing drugs and alcohol, then hopefully those positive messages will help counteract the negative ones they get from peers who will tell them using drugs and alcohol is cool.

Students are going to be faced with making choices about using drugs and alcohol, but with efforts like Red Ribbon Week, hopefully they’ll know there are many who are encouraging them to make the right choices when the time comes.

WILL CHAPMAN

PUBLISHER