Each year as Red Ribbon Week approaches, Narconon International focuses on one outstanding U.S. center’s efforts to power the national campaign that has made drug prevention everyone’s concern. This year, the honors go to Narconon in Oklahoma.

With Red Ribbon Week still weeks away, the urgent need to address a growing drug problem in nearby McAlester prompted Narconon Arrowhead, the international drug rehab network’s premiere drug rehab and training facility, to be a key backer of the Take Back McAlester Campaign.

Culminating in a full day of family activities during the official Red Ribbon Week, Narconon Arrowhead, along with the McAlester Chamber of Commerce, Pride in McAlester and other local volunteer organizations are rallying the entire city to “Take McAlester Back.” The campaign promotes a drug-free lifestyle and brings arts and creativity back to the city.

“This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme, ‘Lock Your Meds,’ and its vital message to keep medications out of the hands of kids focuses on an issue that Narconon International has made a priority in 2010, says Narconon International Drug Education Director Bobby Wiggins. “The proactive steps Narconon Arrowhead is taking to engage an entire city to rally and get this vital message across are truly laudable,” says Wiggins.

National statistics from Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) show that in 2006, 2.1 million teens abused prescription drugs. The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) reports that ½ of all new abusers of prescription drugs are between the ages of 12 & 17. Everyday, 2500 teens begin abusing prescription drugs. Deaths caused by prescription drug overdoses have surpassed those caused by illicit drugs.

The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA. The National Red Ribbon Week, sponsored by the National Family Partnership (NFP), is an ideal way for individuals and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse. Narconon Drug Rehab centers throughout the United States and the world take pride in successfully helping hundreds of thousands individuals and families overcome drug and alcohol addiction every year through community participation as well as drug prevention efforts and rehabilitation. For additional information about the Narconon Program please visit our video at http://www.youtube.com/user/narconon#p/u/18/qiODr5s08Gs.

Via EPR Network
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