For information visit Orange County's Coalition for Drug Free Community's website. 

WHEREAS, the National Red Ribbon Campaign is celebrating 24 years as a public awareness program designed to unite and mobilize entire communities to say "Keep the Promise and Be Drug Free"; and

WHEREAS, the Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people each year during Red Ribbon Week; and

WHEREAS, October 23 through 31, 2009 is designated as Red Ribbon Week and will be celebrated in every community across the nation to increase awareness about the negative effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; and

WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week offers citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug-free lifestyles; and

WHEREAS, preventing substance abuse within communities requires support from our workplaces, families, schools, and faith communities; and

WHEREAS, people of all ages and all walks of life must be made aware of what they can do to help prevent themselves, their families, neighbors, and co-workers from being harmed by the use of illegal drugs and the illegal use of legal drugs; and

WHEREAS, businesses, the media, social service agencies, governments, schools, service organizations, religious institutions, safety forces, and individuals will demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle by wearing and displaying red ribbons or drug free bracelets during this week-long celebration;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard T. Crotty, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Orange County Mayor, do hereby proclaim the week of October 23 through October 31, 2009 as

RED RIBBON WEEK

in Orange County, Florida, and encourage all Orange County employees and citizens to participate in drug awareness and drug education activities, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a Drug Free Community.

DONE AND ORDERED this 13th day of October, 2009.

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