Senator Cornyn Helps Us Note the Importance of Red Ribbon Week

Senator John Cornyn (right) with
O. Henry Principal Pete Price and students

This week, October 25-29, is Red Ribbon Week, and it's an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse.  

In honor of Red Ribbon Week, I joined U.S. Senator John Cornyn this morning at O. Henry Middle School to talk about the importance of making health choices, preventing the use of drugs (alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, including misuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs), and what AISD is doing to encourage students to be drug free! Here's a website with suggestions of activities during Red Ribbon Week.  Red Ribbon Week Activities

Did you know that students in their general PE classes receive ongoing and consistent education about tobacco laws and tobacco education? This year, AISD is dedicating November 15-19, the same week as the Great American Smoke-out (November 18), to reinforce tobacco prevention and cessation. We will increase the awareness during this week about the harmful effects of tobacco use, how to prevent using tobacco products, and how to stop using tobacco products.  

For AISD staff, the AISD Staff Wellness program has begun offering FREE smoking cessation classes.  The seven-week series begins November 1, and it's not too late to sign up! It's free, it's once a week, and it's the best thing you can do for your health! Contact Tracy Lunoff, Coordinator of Health Services, at 414-9778 with questions, interest, and to sign up.


The Red Ribbon Campaign was begun in Mexico City after the murder of a DEA agent. The display of Red Ribbons became a symbol of intolerance towards drug use. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA.