Throwback Thursday: Red Ribbon Week
by Tegan Lee
Taking a stand against drugs is the first step toward creating the life you truly want. This is what Red Ribbon Week stands for. Red Ribbon Week is your chance to wear your commitment to a drug-free life like a badge of honor because the best way to stand out is by saying no to drugs. Students Working Against Tobacco's (SWAT) mission is “to educate people on the harmful effects of tobacco use and empower them to fight against the tobacco industry, in hopes of having a tobacco-free future,” shared Riley Blum. Red Ribbon Week is all about committing to a drug-free life, and Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) is leading the charge by educating others on the harmful effects of tobacco use.
The purpose of the week is to unite communities in a visible stand against substance abuse and promote positive choices. "It's a great way to show support for a drug-free environment and spread awareness about the risks associated with substance abuse," said Tracey Chen. For SWAT, Red Ribbon Week aligns closely with their mission to encourage healthy, drug-free living. As Blum explained, "Red Ribbon Week is important to SWAT as it parallels our mission for a better future by promoting people to live drug-free for their health and well-being. SWAT is about being a united movement, so being involved in a nationwide observance like Red Ribbon Week is awesome." This collective effort highlights the importance of raising awareness and fostering a healthier, tobacco-free future.
Many misconceptions surround drugs, and Red Ribbon Week aims to educate those who may not fully understand the risks. Madi Dixson highlighted, "no one starts using drugs or nicotine thinking they'll get addicted. A one-time use can quickly turn into a habit, leading to reliance and, sometimes, harder substances.” Many teens don't realize how quickly addiction can form, nor do they fully understand the dangers of vaping and smoking. "There’s still limited research, but people don’t think it will affect them. The reality is, no one is exempt from the risks of drug use," Dixson shared. Red Ribbon Week aims to raise awareness about these misconceptions and the true dangers of drug use.