Declare Red Ribbon Week

Senate Resolution No. 1956 BY: Senator HANNON MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 23-31, 2017, as Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 23-31, 2017, as Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Red Ribbon Week; and WHEREAS, The National Family Partnership was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a leadership role in drug prevention; and WHEREAS, As a national leader in drug prevention education and advocacy, the National Family Partnership leads and supports the nation's families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth; and WHEREAS, In 1988, the National Family Partnership sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use; and WHEREAS, The Red Ribbon Campaign was started in response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent, Enrique Camarena, which angered the parents and youth in communities across the country; in response, they started wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raising awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America; and WHEREAS, These individuals formed coalitions, using Enrique Camarena as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference; since 1985, the campaign has reached the lives of millions of people around the world; and WHEREAS, The National Family Partnership and its network of individuals and organizations continue to deliver Enrique Camarena's message of hope to millions of people every year, through the National Red Ribbon Campaign; and WHEREAS, Today the Red Ribbon Campaign serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities; and WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President Peggy B. Sapp, the National Family Partnership has developed the National Red Ribbon Campaign into an annual national event that is a major force for raising awareness and mobilizing communities in the fight against drugs; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 23-31, 2017, as Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with National Red Ribbon Week; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.