Gigantic Red Ribbon Unveiled In State Capitol To Honor Drug-Free New York Teens

ALBANY, NY (05/13/2008)(readMedia)-- A massive red ribbon, signed by more than 5,000 students, was displayed today in the State Capitol's historic "Million Dollar Staircase" in recognition of the teens' pledge to stay drug and alcohol free.

"On behalf of Governor Paterson and all New Yorkers, I would like to thank these students for stepping up and assuming a leadership role in their schools and communities. By encouraging their classmates to sign the red ribbon and pledge to living drug-free they have demonstrated why they are the best and the brightest of the next generation," said Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo.

Joining Commissioner Carpenter-Palumbo in unveiling the ribbon were representatives of Western New York United Against Drugs and Alcohol, Inc. and 30 student ambassadors representing 20 school districts in Western New York.

The students were among the group who began the drug-free pledge drive last October in recognition of the 20th anniversary of "National Red-Ribbon Week."

Pieces of the red ribbon were sent to numerous school districts where they were signed by students before being returned and re-assembled into the massive ribbon that now hangs in the State Capitol.

"This magnificent symbol brings attention to the commitment that thousands of young New Yorkers have made to lead positive, healthy, drug-free lives," said Karen M. Carpenter-Palumbo, Commissioner of the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

Linda Flowers, Executive Director of the Western New York United Against Drugs and Alcohol, said, "The children deserve all the credit because they really dedicated themselves to talking to their classmates about the importance of staying drug-free and we couldn't be more proud of them."

- more - In 1985, Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Agent, Enrique Camarena, was kidnapped, tortured and killed by drug lords. Since 1988, people across the country have worn red ribbons during the last week of October in his memory. Over time, the red ribbon has come to symbolize the importance of grass roots substance abuse prevention efforts.

The following schools are represented on the ribbon:

Frank A. Sedita School #30,Dr. Antonia Pantoja School #18,Frederick Law Olmstead #56,Lorraine Elementary #72,Harvey Austin School #97,Bilingual Center #33,Southside Elementary #93,Lydia T. Wright School #89,West Hertel Academy #94,Harriet Tubman Academy #31,Dr. M.L. King Institute #39,Hillery Park Elementary #27,Hamlin Park Elementary #74,BUILD Academy #91,#43 Academy,Community School #53,West Side Community Services,Lackawanna City Schools,Frontier Central Schools,Lake Shore Central Schools

OASAS oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems with more than 1,550 programs which treat 110,000 New Yorkers on any given day for drug, alcohol or gambling addictions. For more information please visit www.oasas.state.ny.us.

In addition, if you or someone you know needs help, please call the OASAS 24-hour help line at 1-800-522-5353.

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