SAFE Glen Cove Coalition: Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week (RRW) is known nationally as a drug awareness campaign that was created in 1985 to address the importance of substance abuse prevention in all school districts and communities. Annually, SAFE sponsors RRW to discourage underage substance use and encourage positive and healthy choices.

SAFE celebrated RRW with prevention education assembly’s at Gribbin, Connolly, Landing, Deasy and Middle Schools and the Glen Cove Youth Bureau’s After 3 Program. All students were provided with red ribbons and red bracelets that display the annual RRW theme, “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free”. Students participated in an artwork contest around the annual theme. They were asked to consider the theme, its meaning, and draw something that in their minds represented that theme. Once the artwork was completed, SAFE staff and members of the Board of Directors scheduled a judging. First, second and third place winners were selected, and prizes were given to the winners on the day of the school assembly.

Last year Connolly school students enrolled in SAFE’s Life Skills Training at After 3 planted red tulips in honor of RRW to promote healthy lifestyles and drug-free living. During the springtime, students were thrilled to see the red tulips they planted bloom beautifully across the school grounds. The bright red tulips served as a cheerful reminder of their commitment to making healthy, drug-free choices and the importance of growth and renewal. Students took pride in seeing how their RRW project had blossomed into a lasting symbol of hope and positivity. The tulips not only added color to the campus but also continued to share the powerful message of living a healthy, drug-free life inspired by last year’s theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug-Free.”

The Glen Cove Police Department also partners with SAFE to educate youth on the importance of staying drug-free. Detective Karousos conducted prevention awareness presentations to Middle School students emphasizing peer-resistance skills and the benefits of living a drug-free lifestyle.

The continuous efforts made by the SAFE Coalition, the dedicated staff of the Glen Cove School District, Youth Bureau and Glen Cove Police Department have made this year’s RRW another successful event. To learn more about the SAFE Glen Cove Coalition please follow us on www.facebook.com/safeglencove or visit SAFE’s website at www.safeglencove.org.

In celebration of this drug-free week, the New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) are illuminating various landmark lighting locations across the State. Some landmarks include: Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, State Education Building, and Empire State Plaza.