Are you ready to help keep Cortland County youth safe from alcohol, tobacco and other drugs?  

Banners boldly announcing that Cortland Area Communities That Care (CACTC) has begun its annual Red Ribbon substance abuse prevention campaign are up in Cincinnatus, Cortland, Homer, McGraw and Marathon.     

The governing board in these communities has proclaimed October 23-31 Red Ribbon Week.  

Each board encourages its citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, media, religious and educational institutions to wear and display red ribbons and participate in drug-free activities throughout that week in order to promote the Red Ribbon Celebration and a drug-free New York.

One activity initiated by CACTC involves planting red tulips.  Hundreds of local residents came to the coalition’s Pumpkin Fest booth three weeks ago to pick up free tulip bulbs.

More bulbs have been given to local schools and youth groups.

Additional Red Ribbon ideas have been offered during the bulb distribution process. 

When the stately red tulips bloom in the spring, we will all see that much of our county has been planted red.  The beautiful blossoms will remind us that we can make a difference by working together to help keep our youth drug free.

Like the local boards in the County, the Cortland County Legislature will proclaim Red Ribbon week at its October 28^th session.

At the same time, the Legislature will provide support for an additional endeavor initiated this year through coalition efforts.  November 8 -14, 2010 will be known as National Drug Facts Week in Cortland County.

The Coalition will order enough copies of “Drug Facts: Shatter the Myths” for every teen in grades eight and eleven in the County.  This booklet from the National Institutes of Health - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) answers teens’ most frequently asked questions.   

The coalition will be providing a fact-a-day to each of the County high schools that can be included in their daily school-wide announcements.

The coalition encourages Cortland County teens and adults to go to:  http://drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov/IQchallenge.php and participate in the challenge. 

There individuals can test their knowledge on drugs and drug abuse by taking this interactive quiz. 

Furthermore, anyone can follow NIDA’s Chat Day Event online from 8 AM to 6 PM on November 9^th.  During these hours NIDA scientists will answer thousands of questions about drugs.    hat else can an individual do to promote positive youth development and Red Ribbon Week 2010? 

Feel free to wear a red ribbon, hang red ribbons prominently in businesses and homes, or devise other creative ways to take a stand for youth and against substance abuse.

Adults can also band together by signing the Safe Host pledge available at the CACTC website.  www.cortlandareactc.org  A signature commits the signer to providing adult supervision for children and allowing no alcohol to be consumed only by those under 21. 

The signer also agrees to encourage calls from other parents and guardians any time his or her children are hosting a party.

While at the website, look around and see what else the Coalition does.  Don’t hesitate to email the staff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 756-5992 ext. 25 for additional information.   

The Cortland County Red Ribbon Campaign 2010 offers citizens several opportunities to take a stand for youth and against substance abuse.  By working together, we can make Cortland County a safer environment for youth. 

A place where more young people embrace the 2010 Red Ribbon theme, “See the Connections… Choices = Consequences. I am Drug Free”.

Jo Ann Wickman is chair of PR.Com, CACTC's public relations and publicity workgroup.