The first Red Ribbon campaign was organized in 1986 to honor the memory of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a drug enforcement agent who was brutally murdered in Mexico in 1985, while attempting to stop drug smuggling.
People in Camarena's hometown wore red ribbons to honor their fallen hero and the trend spread to other communities. Wearing red ribbons became a symbol of supporting drug-free communities.
At Camp Humphreys, Red Ribbon Week will be recognized from Oct. 23-31. Members of the community will continue the trend of wearing red ribbons to show their support and commitment to a drug free community.
The Army Substance Abuse Program will extend the awareness and prevention campaign into the Humphreys American School. This provides an opportunity to educate children and encourage sensible decisions about drug use.
They will focus on over the counter cough and cold medicines containing dextromethorphan (DMX), which have been abused by school aged children. Abusers refer to these drugs by nicknames such as Skittles, Triple C, Dex, and a host of other creative names. Parents should also educate themselves about this dangerous trend as hospitals in the U.S. have reported numerous cases of overdose and death related to over the counter drug abuse. Drugs containing DMX are inexpensive and readily available in the medicine aisle of most stores. Although there are no legal restrictions to accessing drugs containing DMX, many stores in the U.S. are limiting single purchase amounts to combat its abuse.
Parents must be vigilant and educate their children about the dangers of abusing over the counter medication. Abuse of over the counter medicines can create both depressant and hallucinogenic effects depending on the dosage and combination of drugs. The following may be indicators that your child is abusing over the counter medication: slurred speech, impaired judgment, poor coordination, headache, vomiting, panic attacks, euphoria, and dizziness.
The U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Commander, Col Darin S. Conkright, will sign a proclamation on Oct. 22, at 8 a.m., at the Humphreys American School. This proclamation reinforces the Camp Humphreys commitment to a drug-free lifestyle and community.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to participate in fun awareness activities such as "Red to Remember," where they are encouraged to wear red t-shirts; "Team Up Against Drugs," where students wear t-shirts or jerseys that represent their favorite sports team. A special slogan is designated for each day throughout the campaign. Students can also participate in a door decorating contest with this year's team "It's Up to Me to Be Drug-Free."
HAS and Osan American High School has an Adolescent Substance Abuse Counselor available to assist students and parents with concerns. Please don't hesitate to contact OAHS at 031-661-9076 or the USAG Humphreys ASAP, at 753-7502, for concerns about a child. For more information about the Red Ribbon Week campaign, please contact Camille Jackson, at 753-7361.
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