May 22, 2013
It’s a week that allows educators to go from school to school, teaching kids about how dangerous drugs can be.
And some students have even gotten involved to spread the word.
Last year, for the first time in our country's history, more teens died from drug overdoses than car accidents.
This brings a lot of concern to parents and teachers alike.
“That statistic in itself for parents and people in our community to know that we are not winning the drug war like so many people think we are. “ Program manager of the prevention project Beth Ford said.
To try and curb this statistic, red ribbon week has been adopted in Houston County.
“Our goal is to reach one student in each school to give them the skills and information about drugs and how dangerous they can truly be.” Ford said.
And students, who have seen drugs impact people first hand are getting involved as well.
“I've seen a few people who have tried synthetic marijuana just once and just like that their brain just shuts off and they die from instant bleeding so that one time could be your last time.” Rehobeth high school senior Tori Money said.
And for Tori, that's one too many times.
Tori and Beth are going to elementary schools to speak to kids at an early age about drugs.
And this is what they found.
“A lot of younger kids have been starting to use tobacco, use drugs, start drinking because they see it on the tv all the time, so they think "oh I should do that" and we are trying to tell them “no! don't”. Money said.
A message Tori and Beth hope to get across before it’s too late.
“Our children are paying the price with their lives.” Ford said.
Usually red ribbon awareness lasts a week.
However in Houston County, they have made it into a monthly project.
