Belleville’s schools, businesses, and Village Administration invites the community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community. “Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Teresa Pelton, Co-Chair of the Belleville Area Cares Coalition. “The campaign brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for innovative ways to keep kids and communities drug free.”

This year’s celebration will kick off on Monday, October 23rd, at the Belleville High School with an assembly for all Belleville School District students. Presenting at the assembly will be the New York-based dance crew, JLINE. JLINE performs all over the country, combining dance and important anti-bullying messages.

Throughout the week, more Red Ribbon activities are scheduled at:

Old National Bank (New Glarus location) (Laura Vorpahl)

UW Health Belleville Family Medicine (Peggy Soehnlein)

Village of Belleville (Brian Wilson)

Since 1988, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities. In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after Camarena’s death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership (NFP) in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year.

“Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said Pelton. “Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse.”

If you would like to know more about Red Ribbon Week, contact Teresa at (608) 424-6551.