Pubdate: Mon, 27 Oct 2003
Source: Mineral Wells Index (TX)
Copyright: 2003 Mineral Wells Index
Contact:  http://www.mineralwellsindex.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3050
Author: Lauren Grimm

STUDENTS RED-DY TO SHOW THEIR ANTI-DRUG COLORS

Red Ribbon Week, which encourages all Texas school children to stay away 
from drugs and live healthy lifestyles, began Oct. 23 and ends Oct. 31.

The week began in honor of Enrique "Kiki" Camraena, drug enforcement agent 
with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Camraena was kidnapped and 
killed while investigating drug traffickers in Mexico. Since then, Texas 
schools focus on providing students education and encouragement to stay 
away from drugs.

Mineral Wells Independent School District has scheduled activities at all 
campuses every day next week.

A new national report recently released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free 
America Today shows 90 percent of parents see great risk in Ecstacy, but 
only one out of every four parents talk with their children about the drug. 
The study confirmed kids are 50 percent more likely to abuse drugs and 
alcohol when parents fail to speak to their kids about the substances. 
Ecstacy use has increased 71 percent since 1999.

"The commitment these young Texans make today to reject alcohol, tobacco 
and other drugs is an important step in their future and in combating 
substance abuse and addiction," Dr. Dave Wesner, executive director of the 
Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, said. "The Red Ribbon Rally 
celebrates the decision these students make and supports their pledge to 
remain drug-free. The new study on Ecstacy reminds us that our work is not 
done."

Last week in Austin, nearly 1,000 fifth and sixth grade students from 
across Texas celebrated their decisions to remain drug-free. The students 
also drafted, debated and passed anti-drug legislation in mock legislative 
sessions. The students tried to explain to the Texas House and Senate why 
kids use drugs.