Immediate Release
October 22, 2009
Batavia, Ohio. The statistics are frightening; according to a 2008 study (conducted by the Drug Free Coalition of Clermont County and the Mental Health and Recovery Board), children begin abusing alcohol and drugs as early as seventh grade and the numbers steadily increase through high school. With that in mind, Red Ribbon Week in Clermont County will be held October 18-24, 2009, designed to encourage citizens to make a commitment to encourage our young people to live drug free lives. A Red Ribbon Kickoff celebration will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2009 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Union Township Civic Center gymnasium, located at 4350 Aicholtz Road.
Teens, parents, teachers, and members of the community are encouraged to attend the Red Ribbon Kickoff; there will be activities and demonstrations at the event to help encourage kids to stay drug and alcohol free. The event will include police K-9 demonstrations, a seat belt safety presentation, and activities to promote good decision making. Fatal vision goggles will also be available to wear, demonstrating how alcohol and drugs impair your ability to see when you get behind the wheel.
The Board of Clermont County Commissioners designated the week of October 18 – 24 as Red Ribbon Week in Clermont County; organizers ask that you wear a red ribbon to show support of efforts to keep children alcohol and drug free.
For more information about Red Ribbon Week, contact Jimmi McIntosh at (513) 735-8327 or by e-mail mcinstosh_j@ccsec.org, or Martha Enriquez at (513) 735-8409 or by e-mail menriquez@co.clermont.oh.us.
Pictured above: Drug Free Coalition member Lee Ann Watson receives the proclamation from Board of Clermont County Commissioners President Ed Humphrey.#
For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.