Drug Free Manatee has been honoring community heroes at the Annual Red Ribbon Week Champions of Prevention Awards Breakfast for the past 18 years. Although the great work of prevention by our outstanding community members has not faltered over the past year, our ability to celebrate each other and fundraise has had to take on a new look.
“In the interest of public safety, Drug Free Manatee has made the difficult decision to not hold a red Ribbon breakfast this year, and in its place, celebrate our prevention champions virtually, each month for the next 12 months, until we can safely come back together,” Dr. Linda Thompson, Executive Director and CEO of Drug Free Manatee.
Prevention Champions are individuals from different parts of the community who have contributed to making a difference by promoting prevention efforts. Community sectors including county government, higher education, faith-based, youth, business, school, healthcare professional, law enforcement, media, youth-serving organization, civic and volunteer groups, state government, the federal government, and state advocacy.
This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme is Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.™ and will encourage children, families, and communities to live healthy and happy lives while staying drug-free. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools, and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.
Nominations are still being accepted until December 1, 2020 for law enforcement, Fire/Rescue/EMS, volunteer organizations, businesses, members of the media, and parents and youth. Follow along on Facebook at facebook.com/drugfreemanatee to participate in our virtual events.
