Governor Pat Quinn Issues Proclamation to Boost Youth Group Efforts to Deter Youth Alcohol, Drug Abuse in October

Leadership development empowering youth to lead drug-free lives. Governor Pat Quinn Issues Proclamation to Boost Youth Group Efforts to Deter Youth Alcohol, Drug Abuse in October Red Ribbon Week Salutes Federal Anti-Drug Agent Killed in Line of Duty (Springfield, IL) September 24, 2009. As a means to boost awareness among Illinois youth around substance abuse prevention, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed October as Operation Snowball Month in Illinois.    Operation Snowball, partnered with the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association, has more than 130 chapters totaling 50,000 youth and encourages young people to stay drug-free by providing them with direct experience learning, according to Illinois chapter program manager, Mary Jo Peavy Davies.   "The program focuses on prevention messages that aim primarily at the high school students because at this age they understand the idea behind prevention," said Davies.   "Group learning sessions present facts about drug and alcohol use and help students develop their own ideas before they are faced with situations in their future lives."   Operation Snowball is expanding to include people of all ages into their program by creating "Snowflake" for junior high students, "Snowflurry" for elementary school pupils, and "Segue" for college students.   Operation Snowball chapters will celebrate Red Ribbon Week to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles during the last week in October, Davies noted.   The first Red Ribbon celebration was organized in 1986 by parents and the red ribbon was adopted in honor of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers in Mexico in 1985.   The campaign has reached millions of children and has been recognized by the U.S. Congress.   "Red Ribbon Week is a chance to be visible and vocal in our desire for a drug-free community," said Operation Snowball, Inc. Board Chair, Patrick Ferrell. "Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and drugs when parents are clear and consistent in their opposition to substance use and abuse."   For more information about Red Ribbon Week, visit http://www.bestofidea.com/rrw.php and visit http://www.preventionpartners.org/os to order Red Ribbon campaign materials.             Quick Links Best of Idea Prevention Partners for Materials   Mary Jo Peavy Davies, CSADP, CPPE External Program Manager Operation Snowball, Inc. Illinois Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Association 937 South Second Street Springfield, IL 62704 217.528.7335 x. 18 mdavies@iadda.org www.os-iti.org www.iadda.org       Email Marketing by Operation Snowball & the Illinois Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Association | 937 South Second Street | Springfield | IL | 62704