Stark County, OH (October 19, 2022) – Red, the color associated with National Family Partnership’s Red Ribbon Campaign, will shine on the Stark County Court of Common Pleas at 101 West Tuscarawas St. in downtown Canton from October 23 to October 31– which is known as Red Ribbon Week. Since 1985 the Red Ribbon has served as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities; the public display will remind Stark Countians that everyone has a role to play in substance abuse prevention.

“Red Ribbon Week is a reminder to anyone who may be a role model that young people are paying attention to their behaviors and choices,” said Justina Gorman, Drug Free Stark County coalition leader. “By being united in opposition to the misuse of prescriptions and other drugs as adults, we are taking important steps toward a safer community for the next generation.”

Schools, youth groups, and families are encouraged to visit the Drug Free Stark County Facebook page or RedRibbon.org for activity suggestions and educational materials.

While Red Ribbon Week is a good reminder, prevention is a focus year-round for the Drug Free Stark County community coalition, which is sponsored by Stark County Mental Health & Addiction Recovery (StarkMHAR). The coalition began in 2006 and has been recognized on the local and state levels for its work in substance abuse prevention and community education and awareness. The group works with law enforcement personnel, school administrators, students, guidance counselors, health care workers, alcohol and drug treatment providers, the faith-based community and local business people to mobilize efforts around reaching youth, the use of research-based techniques, reducing risk factors, and more.

Visit GetSmartAboutDrugs.com for more information about Red Ribbon Week or contact Drug Free Stark County at 330-455-6644.