City of Pasadena Proclaims Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31st

This October, Mayor Terry Tornek of the City of Pasadena Pasadena proclaimed Red Red Ribbon Week October 23-31st.
Red Ribbon Week is a national week of awareness and prevention of substance abuse and violence that was established by the National Family Partnership, a non-profit organization in 1985. This year's theme, 'Respect Yourself', encourages youth and families to take a pledge to choose healthy drug-free lifestyles without illegal drugs or the illegal use of legal drugs http://redribbon.org/about/. 

Pasadena's new proclamation also recognizes the need for families, schools, businesses, churches, law enforcement, youth, and community organizations to all work together to "establish an atmosphere that supports awareness, education, and ongoing initiatives to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harm in order to protect the health and safety of all it's citizens." 

RAD appreciates your support as we continue to raise awareness about how substance abuse negatively impacts youth and families. In the past year, RAD has collaborated with community groups and partners on a variety of projects including hosting a forum on Marijuana Policy at Pasadena City College to raise awareness about how the legalization of marijuana use could negatively impact the health of youth and communities; a Reality Party event for Parents in Pasadena on binge drinking at teen parties, a speaker panel event on alcohol abuse in partnership with Vroman’s Bookstore, and a month-long awareness campaign in September for National Recovery Month. 
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During this week of awareness, RAD hosted and attended community events and lead window marking campaign to raise awareness about substance abuse. Stay tuned for free community programs and events coming to Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley as we continue our efforts to educate and raise awareness about the harms of substance abuse year-round. 
Contact us if you would like to partner in bringing resources or an event to your community!

Here is what the issue looks like, and some important findings to keep in mind:

• ​Excessive Alcohol Consumption is the second leading cause of premature death and disability in LA County (Los Angeles County Department of Public Health). 
• Alcohol is the number one drug of choice among America's youth and is more likely to kill young people than all illegal drugs combined (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

• Every year, 6,500 young people under age 21 die from alcohol-related incidents and thousands more are injured (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

• Research shows that youth who begin drinking before age 15 are 4 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

• Drug overdose deaths have been on the rise for the past two decades, and heroin deaths in particular have increased by 39%. 2015 is the third year in a row that heroin deaths have increased. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• The number of drug-related deaths in the country is currently higher than the number of people killed in traffic accidents.