Schools, community leaders pushing drug free message ahead of Red Ribbon Week

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind., --- Ahead of the upcoming Red Ribbon Campaign next week dedicated to promoting a drug free lifestyle, South Bend Schools and community outreach leaders came together Monday morning to share that push with local elementary students.

“I choose me to be drug free,” was the phrase echoed Monday morning by dozens of Muessel Elementary Students.

 “Today I learned to stay drug free,” said elementary student Alivea Smith.

“It’s really important to be talking to our kids as early as elementary school because they understand what’s happening in a lot more than us parents think they do,” added Alicia Wells, the Director of Public Relations for Allendale Treatment & Fort Wayne Recovery.

Wells who now does community outreach is also walking in long-time recovery after her addiction started when she began using prescription pills in high school.

She believes the conversation about drugs needs to start even younger.

“This is affecting children as young as 9 and 10 years old either from siblings, parents, or the culture in which their accustomed,” she said. “If they don’t know what they’re up against, chances are they could be down the same path.”

Officials say the push is even stronger now, as more drugs emerge like Rainbow Fentanyl that seemingly target youth.

It also comes after the CDC reported record high drug overdose deaths nationwide in 2021, with more than 100,000 and 97 of those here in St. Joseph County.

 “We know if they get involved in drugs and alcohol it has the potential to cause them major problems,” said Lynn Coleman, a Community Outreach Liaison with Memorial Hospital who spoke at Monday's assembly.

Officials also reminded kids that drugs could have devastating effects on the entire community.

 “We do see that coupled with other crimes as well whether drug possession tied to possible thefts and frauds to actually drug dealing being involved with some of our gun violence in our community,” said Lieutenant Kyle Dombrowski, with South Bend Police Department’s Strategic Focus Unit.

They hope the drug free message not only reaches kids, but parents as well.

“Also encouraging parents to begin these conversations with just dinner table talk,” said Wells.

 “I want to be a nail tech and a dance teacher…you have to be positive and focus on your dreams and don't let drugs get in the way,” added Muessel Elementary student Trinity Wilson.

Red Ribbon week officially kicks off next week Oct 23-31.

However, there will be a Red Ribbon March happening Friday, October 21 at 9:30 am at the Colfax Cultural Center, 914 Lincolnway West in South Bend.

More information about local resources can also be found here.

You can also call Alicia Wells at 574-413-8778.

Or even text Remedy Live 494949 for 24/7 support.