Coshocton County Drug Free Coalition brings awareness to dangers of drug abuse
Larry and Cindy Massie hang red ribbons on the gazebo at the courtsquare in celebration of National Red Ribbon Week.
COSHOCTON – Members of the Coshocton County Drug Free Coalition met at the Coshocton County Courtsquare on Tuesday, Oct. 23 to hang red ribbons in celebration of National Red Ribbon Week, which runs Oct. 23 – 31. The local coalition wanted to help bring awareness to the dangers of drug abuse and bring awareness to Red Ribbon Week by covering Main Street with red ribbons from Second Street down to Seventh Street.
“We haven’t done anything local in a while and we’re trying to revive it and bring awareness to prevent drug abuse before it starts,” said Leane Rohr. “We can’t rely on treatment as the sole prevention of drug use in our community.”
As part of the local Red Ribbon campaign, the coalition also put up posters in local schools with a message about being drug-free. Some schools are also doing other activities throughout the week to promote a healthy, drug-free life.
There are 48 red ribbons displayed down Main Street and at the gazebo until Nov. 1 as well as 48 small ribbons that have been placed on county EMS vehicles and sheriff’s office vehicles in recognition of Red Ribbon Week.
National Red Ribbon Week was started in 2005 as a way to honor the life of Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent who died while fighting substance abuse.
The Coshocton County Drug Free Coalition is starting its second year in the county and placing the red ribbons is their first community-wide event.
“It’s time for us to start doing some stuff and getting out in the community and making them aware that we exist,” said Rohr.
The coalition has members from several different agencies in the county. They meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the County Services Building from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. To contact the coalition, call 740-295-7311 or email leanerohr@coshoctoncounty.net.
Category: Clubs & Organizations
