It’s Red Ribbon Week throughout Middlesboro as proclaimed by Mayor Rick Nelson.

The proclamation reads, “Whereas alcohol and drug abuse in this nation have reached epidemic stages and whereas it is imperative that visible, unified prevention education efforts by community members be launched to eliminate the demand for drugs and the National Red Ribbon Campaign will be celebrated in every community in America during Red Ribbon Week October 23-31.”

The proclamation encourages businesses, government, parents, law enforcement, media, medical and religious institutions, schools, etc. to demonstrate their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing and displaying red ribbons during this week.

“I encourage the citizens to participate in the drug prevention education activities,” Nelson said. “Not only during Red Ribbon Week but all year long making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a drug-free Middlesboro.”

On Monday, students within the Middlesboro Independent School District signed declarations that they are to be drug free and live healthy lifestyles.

At Middlesboro Middle School, the used their fingerprints to symbolize their commitment on posters that will be displayed the school. They have also displayed red ribbons on door handles throughout the school.

Other activities that will be celebrated at Middlesboro Middle School throughout this week include:

• Wednesday – Disco/Camo – Your Choice Day “It’s Your Choice to Stay Away from Drugs;”

• Thursday – Halloween Costumes Day “Scare Away the Drugs” (Remember, No Weapons and No Masks);

• Friday – VSCO “Save the Turtles, Save Your Health.”

Red Ribbon Week is sponsored by National Family Partnership and is a campaign that is encouraged in communities across the country for drug free and healthy lifestyles.