This week is Red Ribbon Week and Marion County is participating in the yearly week to raise awareness against alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and violence.

The awareness week began in 1985 as a tribute to a fallen DEA agent, and according to the DEA, it is the nation’s longest-running drug awareness and prevention movement. Schools in Marion County will be putting on different activity days this year for students K-12 to participate in. The Marion County Cares Coalition has red ribbons to pass out to all students in the county, and the group makes stops in many different schools to help educate kids about making smart choices. Kairee Bishop with the Marion County Cares Coalition and Employee and Family Resources says that the philosophy surrounding Red Ribbon Week has changed a bit over the years.

“There were a lot of scare tactics, you know like if you do this all these things are going to happen to you which is still important, but kind of that scare tactic has gone away and it’s more of a celebration of encouraging those healthy behaviors rather than saying don’t do this which we know research shows sometimes is not always the best approach. This is just more awareness, prevention, and celebration of healthy lives.”

For more information about Red Ribbon Week and available resources you can visit their website here.