Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity for the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County to recognize efforts to stem the tide of drug abuse in the community. Ahead of the actual observance week of October 23 – 31, commissioners presented proclamations to two groups that are among the leaders in fighting drug abuse in Southern Maryland and St. Mary’s County.
Commissioner Cindy Jones began the ceremony by presenting a proclamation to the Southern Maryland Young Marines of the Marine Corps League/Lance Corporal Caleb John Powers Young Marines. In acknowledging the group’s efforts Commissioner Jones stated “there is hope in winning the war on drugs and that hope lies in education and drug demand reduction, coupled with the hard work and determination of organizations such as the Lance Corporal Caleb John Powers Young Marines.”
Commissioner Dan Morris, a Marine Corps veteran, next presented a proclamation to a group of government and community partners who are actively fighting the war on drugs. The group includes the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services, Walden Behavioral Health, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Mary’s County Health Department, Parents Affected by Addiction, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, St. Mary’s Ryken, Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership, and the Community Alcohol Coalition.
“The National Family Partnership sponsors the National Red Ribbon Week campaign,” said Commissioner Morris. “It’s a time where citizens have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug-free lifestyles (no use of illegal drugs, no illegal use of legal drugs).”
Commissioners encouraged citizens to wear red ribbons during the week of October 23 – 31 in a show of support for Red Ribbon Week.