From DEA.gov

Enrique "KiKi" Camareno was a DEA officer. He gave the ultimate sacrifice attempting to keep his community drug-free. Community leaders and friends wore red ribbons to honor his commitment to a drug-free life. The campaign was then formalized in 1988 by the National Family Partnership, with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons. Today, the eight-day celebration is an annual catalyst to show intolerance for drugs in our schools, workplaces, and communities.

Each year, on October 23-31, more than 80 million young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon. This year marks the 35th year for this event. It's never to early to start having the to conversation with your children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Here are Red Ribbon Week activities for OBMHS and OBES.

OBMHS

Monday 10/23- Wrangle the Drugs, Cowboy Day.

Tuesday 10/24-Group up against Drugs, Dynamic Duo Day.

Wednesday 10/25- Don't get mixed up in Drugs, Mixes Match Day.

Thursday 10/26-Too bright for Drugs, Neon Day.

Friday 10/27-Rally In Red, Wear Red Day.

OBES

Monday 10/23-Makos are Red-y to say NO to drugs!-Wear Red shirt and uniform bottoms.

Tuesday 10/24- Put a sock on drugs!- Wear wacky socks.

Wednesday 10/25-Drugs can't find me!-Wear camouflage.

Thursday 10/26-Be all you can be!-Wear red, white and blue.

Friday 10/27-Don't let Drugs ruin your character!- Dress up as your favorite book character.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal substance in the U.S. and its use is growing. Marijuana use among all adult age groups, both sexes, and pregnant women is going up. At the same time, the perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is declining. Increasingly, young people today do not consider marijuana use a risky behavior.

But there are real risks for people who use marijuana, especially youth and young adults, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Today’s marijuana is stronger than ever before. People can and do become addicted to marijuana.

Approximately 1 in 10 people who use marijuana will become addicted. When they start before age 18, the rate of addiction rises to 1 in 6.

Marijuana Risks

Marijuana use can have negative and long-term effects:

• Brain health: Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss of as much as 8 points when people start using it at a young age. These IQ points do not come back, even after quitting marijuana.
• Mental health: Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes. It is not known, however, if marijuana use is the cause of these conditions.
• Athletic Performance: Research shows that marijuana affects timing, movement, and coordination, which can harm athletic performance.

• Driving: People who drive under the influence of marijuana can experience dangerous effects: slower reactions, lane weaving, decreased coordination, and difficulty reacting to signals and sounds on the road.

• Baby’s health and development: Marijuana use during pregnancy may cause fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development, resulting in hyperactivity and poor cognitive function. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other chemicals from marijuana can also be passed from a mother to her baby through breast milk, further impacting a child’s healthy development.

• Daily life: Using marijuana can affect performance and how well people do in life. Research shows that people who use marijuana are more likely to have relationship problems, worse educational outcomes, lower career achievement, and reduced life satisfaction.

Month

• ADHD Awareness
• Bullying Prevention
• Crime Prevention
• Domestic Violence Awareness
• National Depression & Mental Health Screening
• Positive Attitude Month

Week

• 2-8 Mental Illness Awareness
• 16-22 America's Safe Schools
• 17-21 National Health Education
• 17-21 National School Bus Safety
• 19-23 Malnutrition Awareness
• 23-31 Red Ribbon Week (Drug Free America)

Day

• 5th-World Teacher's Day, Walk to School Day
• 6th-National Depression Screening Day
• 7th-World Smile Day
• 10th- World Mental Health Day
• 19th- Stop Bullying Day

IMAGINE A WORLD WHERE YOU CAN SUCCEED BY BEING NICE. WHERE WE ALL PAY IT FORWARD. WHERE PEOPLE LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER. IT ALL STARTS WITH AN ACT.

My mission is to provide and assist families in finding mental health and community resources in our area. I work closely with our guidance counselors and administrators to raise mental health awareness within our schools, provide mental health support to the entire Makos family, and work to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health within our schools. I am excited to share information and resources to ensure our students have the support necessary to be successful.

OBMHS

23908 Canal Rd. Orange Beach, AL 36561

lrogula@orangebeachboe.org

251-201-9975

Mental Health Services - Orange Beach City Schools