For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
October 24, 2001
National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Drug and alcohol abuse in America annually create staggering
societal costs and prevent millions of people from reaching their full
potential at school, on the job, and in their
communities. The Department of Health and Human Services
estimates that approximately 14 million Americans use illegal drugs and
17 million Americans are alcoholics or abusers of
alcohol. To improve the well-being of our Nation and to
protect our people, we must continue to make the prevention and
treatment of drug and alcohol abuse a national priority.
The rate of abuse of drugs and alcohol by our Nation's youth is
cause for alarm. Currently, 3 million young people between
the ages of 14 and 17 have an alcohol problem, and more than half of
America's school-age children have tried illegal drugs by the time they
have finished high school. Research indicates that youth who
avoid the early use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are less likely
to engage in other harmful behaviors such as crime, delinquency, and
other illegal drug use. That is why we must clearly
communicate to America's youth that drug and alcohol abuse is dangerous
and harmful to both their health and their future.
Through the efforts of families, law enforcement officers,
healthcare professionals, teachers, and dedicated community activists,
we have made progress in the ongoing war against substance
abuse. To continue this progress, my Administration is
implementing a comprehensive, results-oriented strategy for reducing
illegal drug use in America. We will work cooperatively
with other nations to help eradicate illegal drugs at their
source. We will increase border security to stop the flow of
these drugs into America. And we will provide Federal
support to local law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking
networks.
The most effective way, however, to reduce the cycle of youth drug
addiction and the crime it causes is to reduce demand. This
effort begins at home; and it depends upon the active participation of
families, schools, and community organizations in education and
outreach programs that clearly communicate to children the dangers
inherent in drug and alcohol abuse.
On the occasion of "National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free
America," Laura and I are pleased to serve as Honorary Chairpersons of
the 2001 National Red Ribbon Campaign. We join all Americans
in saying that we will no longer tolerate the destructive impact that
drug and alcohol abuse have had on our homes, schools, workplaces, and
highways. With strong resolve and creative leadership, we
can protect our communities from the preventable dangers of substance
abuse and restore dignity and character to millions of men, women, and
children who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the period beginning
October 23 through October 31, 2001, as National Red Ribbon Week for a
Drug-Free America. I encourage citizens to support
activities that raise awareness and encourage prevention of substance
abuse. I also call upon every American to wear a red ribbon
throughout the week in recognition of their commitment to a healthy,
drug-free lifestyle and our commitment to a drug-free America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth
day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|