October is Youth Substance Use Prevention Month
On September 29, 2023, President Biden issued a proclamation designating October as National Substance Use Prevention Month. In the proclamation, President Biden emphasized his Administration's support of the Drug-Free Communities coalitions and their goal of reducing youth substance use.
Beach Cities Health District and the Beach Cities Partnership for Youth Coalition are raising awareness about prevention of youth substance use during Youth Substance Use Prevention Month in October and Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31.
The “Escape the Vape” campaign that was created by the 2019-20 Youth Advisory Council will highlight the need to continue providing education about this drug trend that continues to be prevalent in youth. Vaping has evolved and youth are now commonly vaping THC (the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis), in addition to nicotine.
The Red Ribbon Campaign® is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people each year during Red Ribbon Week. National Family Partnership (NFP) is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week® celebration and the Red Ribbon Campaign®, started in 1988 after DEA agent Kiki Camarena lost his life in the line of duty three years earlier. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign® is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a drug-free America. A non-profit organization based in Miami, Fla., NFP helps citizens across the country come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign®. For 2023, the national Red Ribbon Week theme is Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free ™ as a reminder that by staying drug free, you are sending a message to yourself and others about how much you value yourself, your overall health, your community and your future.
