Farmingville, NY - The Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau will carry out timely and meaningful initiatives during Red Ribbon Week, which takes place annually from October 23 through October 31. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena in 1985, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. In 1988, the National Family Partnership held the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, the Brookhaven Youth Bureau is engaging in the following initiatives:
10/23 -- Red Mask Challenge – The Youth Bureau is asking Brookhaven Town employees to wear red face masks on this day to raise awareness for drug abuse prevention.
10/24 – Social Media Day – The Youth Bureau is asking Brookhaven residents to post a message of hope and encouragement on their social media pages in support of those who are struggling or in recovery from addiction.
10/25 – Resource Day – Contact the Youth Bureau to have drug education resource materials emailed to you on this day.
10/26 – Planting – The Youth Bureau is encouraging residents to plant red flower bulbs that will bloom in the spring.
10/27 – Substance Abuse Education – The Youth Bureau will have an interactive Zoom substance abuse education presentation for parents on Tuesday, October 27 at 7 p.m. that will focus on developing positive coping mechanisms for dealing with COVID-19 without turning to substance abuse.
10/28 – Email the Youth Bureau with any Red Ribbon week activities you participated in. The Youth Bureau will then share these activities on our Facebook page.
10/29 & 10/30 – Engage in substance-free weekend activities to promote healthy coping skills and lifestyle.
10/31 – Have a Safe and Sober Halloween!
For further information about the Youth Bureau’s Red Ribbon Week activities and to obtain login information for the Substance Abuse Education program, please call 631-451-8011.