WHEREAS, alcohol and drug misuse negatively affects individuals, families, and communities across Alaska and the Nation; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that community members launch visible, unified efforts to raise awareness of the risks of drug and alcohol use to the development of our young people; and

WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated in communities across our Nation from October
23 – 31, and businesses, government, law enforcement, media, health care providers, religious institutions, schools, and other community-based organizations will demonstrate their commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles by wearing red ribbons and participating in drug prevention activities; and

WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Health is committed to supporting these efforts through various initiatives, including providing schools with resources, activities, and materials to engage students in drug prevention education; and

WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Health has launched the Red Ribbon Week Door Decorating Contest, encouraging schools across the State to participate by decorating their classroom doors with the theme, “Life is a Movie: Film Drug Free” to foster conversations about drug prevention from elementary to high school, with students and staff encouraged to pledge to live drug-free lives; and

WHEREAS, all citizens are encouraged to engage with these efforts by participating in school activities and community outreach.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 23 – 31, 2024 as:

Red Ribbon Week

in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to participate in drug prevention education activities, not only during Red Ribbon Week, but also throughout the year, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to protecting Alaska’s youth from the dangers of substance misuse through a drug-free lifestyle.

Dated: October 23, 2024