On Monday October 24, 2016 Northeast Substance Abuse Collaborative in partnership with iTec Preparatory Academy will launch “ Red Ribbon Week” by presenting a “ You Only Live Once, live drug free” video created by school officials featuring students committed to a healthy lifestyle. The event will take place at 5450 Hurd Pl, El Paso, TX 79912, starting at 10:30 am in tandem with National Red Ribbon Week.

The Red Ribbon Campaign serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. The campaign has reached millions of U.S. children and families. This year El Paso Human Services; Community Youth Development program (CYD) and the Northeast Substance Abuse Collaborative have partnered to bring Red Activities to schools and community. Itec Preparatory Academy will be the school in charge of initiation the city wide campaign.

The Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Statistics (ADASK) reports that 40% of those who started drinking at age 13 or younger developed alcohol dependence later in life. 10% of teens who began drinking after the age of 17 developed dependence. 10% of teens report that they have attended a rave, teens that drink are 50 times more likely to use cocaine than teens who never consume alcohol. 20% of 8th graders report that they have tried marijuana and 28% of teens know a classmate or friend who has used ecstasy. Approximately 15% of 10th and 12th graders have used amphetamines. Teen arrestees often test positive for recent drug use

Research shows that teens are much more likely to delay drinking/drug use when the feel they have a close, supportive tie with a parent or guardian

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