Red Ribbon Week becomes month-long celebration of county’s drug-free youth

What if Red Ribbon Week wasn’t just a week, but an entire month of celebrating young people who choose to live drug- and alcohol- free?

That’s the idea behind Dubois County CARES’ October campaign, which is bringing schools, families, libraries and local businesses together to promote healthy choices and recognize the everyday heroes who help inspire them to live substance-free.

Red Ribbon Week began in 1988 to honor Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was killed in 1985 while investigating drug trafficking. Today, the nationwide campaign takes place during the last week of October to raise awareness about substance-use prevention.

This year’s theme, “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free,” fits perfectly with CARES’ monthlong activities.

“We love this theme, and we’re asking students to think about those everyday, substance-free heroes who surround them each day,” said Hilary Duncan, CARES’ executive director. “Teachers and school resource officers are sure to get a shout-out, but what about parents and even older siblings? It will be fun to see whom students identify.”

Those heroes can be found throughout the community, in classrooms, at home, on playing fields and wherever adults and older students encourage young people to make healthy choices.

In Dubois County, the Red Ribbon Week celebration got an early start, and sober tailgate parties at three county high schools have already taken place. Still to come are in-school activities, coloring contests in collaboration with public libraries, and partnerships with community businesses. In addition to celebrating healthy, drug-free choices, CARES is using Red Ribbon Week as an opportunity to raise funds to support its greatest needs.

“This week, we’re inviting our community to be heroes for our youth by giving to CARES. We are incredibly grateful to generous donors who have pledged to match every donation, dollar-for-dollar, up to $6,000. This means your gift goes twice as far in helping us meet the needs of our community. We are excited for the impact we can make together,” Duncan said.

To make a donation, visit duboiscountycares.org or mail a check to 505 West Fifth Street in Jasper.

There is plenty of good news to celebrate. According to the most recent Indiana Youth Survey, released last month, 97% of Dubois County students in grades six through 12 reported never using cigarettes or marijuana. Additionally, 93% reported never vaping, and 86% said they had never used alcohol.

These encouraging results reflect the collective efforts of schools, families, community partners and youth-focused organizations like Dubois County CARES. CARES works to empower young people through leadership development, healthy decision-making and opportunities to make a difference in their schools and communities.

For students like CARES’ countywide leadership team member Maleah Dearing, those opportunities have made a lasting impact.

“CARES has given me opportunities to grow as a leader, use my voice and make a difference in my school and community,” said the Southridge High School senior. “Through the programs and support they’ve provided, I’ve gained confidence, built meaningful connections and learned how important it is to make healthy choices.”

To learn more about Dubois County CARES, visit duboiscountycares.org.