Red Ribbon Events Remind Youths About Drug Dangers

Lonnie Bushey vividly recalls that evening when his father slid a glass of whiskey toward him and he took his first sip of alcohol. He was 6 years old.

From there, Bushey’s life plunged about 17 years of drug dependency that cost him up to $600 a day on cocaine. But after years of treatment the 32-year-old Bushey has been clean and sober for 10 years, and he now travels the country spreading the word to the young about the dangers of drug use.

His next stop: Mission Viejo High School for its two-mile Walk Against Drugs today, one of several events planned at Orange County schools to commemorate the nationwide Red Ribbon week anti-drug effort.

“I don’t know if I can change people’s lives,” Bushey said, “but maybe I can get kids to think a little. I use my own experience and talk about choices and consequences.”

The Red Ribbon campaign began in 1985 after the slaying of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena by drug traffickers in Mexico.

Red Ribbon Week supporters, including many schools, police and parents, say the events promote healthy choices. Observers wear red ribbons, hang anti-drug posters and organize special assemblies and other activities.

But the commemoration does have critics. Some experts say there is no conclusive evidence that such school-based activities prevent teenage drug use.

A 1995 study, conducted by a coalition of researchers and professors, showed that the majority of the 5,000 seventh- through 12th-graders interviewed at 240 schools nationwide were not swayed by drug-prevention programs. They reported using drugs at least once, despite their exposure to such programs.

Jordan Horowitz, a researcher with Western Education, a Los Alamitos-based think tank, was involved in the study and said he is skeptical of Red Ribbon Week and similar programs.

“If everyone just gets a red ribbon, they are not going to stop smoking or drinking,” Horowitz said. “I don’t think it makes a difference. It’s a symbolic activity and it makes [parents and educators] feel like they are doing something about drug abuse.”

Horowitz added that such programs may have some impact on elementary students. But statistics show that high school students are more likely to be exposed to drugs and that they need interactive programs, such as counseling and peer advisory groups, to deter them from using illicit narcotics.

According to data from the county Health Care Agency, more 11th-graders interviewed statewide are experimenting with drugs. In 1990, 36% said they had used illicit drugs in the past six months; by 1994 the number reached 46%.

Still, some educators contend programs like Red Ribbon Week--in conjunction with year-long educational efforts--help students become more aware of the risks in drug use.

“You can’t do it at the assemblies and think that one time will be effective,” said Vicky Walker of the county Drug, Alcohol, Tobacco Education program. “There have to be multiple kinds of strategies.”

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Walker said schools are trying to strengthen their anti-drug education programs by weaving these messages into the classroom curriculum. Some Garden Grove elementary schools, for instance, will have students write poems about threats of drug use. Capistrano Unified schools will hold poster and essay contests with the same themes.

Drug use can also be combated in math and science classes by discussing the costs and health risks involved in smoking and taking drugs, she said.

“It’s not a schools-alone approach,” Walker said. “If all a school was doing is Red Ribbon week, or there was no curriculum for prevention . . . and if the community doesn’t get involved, it’s not going to work.”

Bushey agrees. He doesn’t see himself or Red Ribbon Week as a panacea.

“Red Ribbon is a good way to start the school year,” he said. “But one week isn’t going to change lives. It took me a long time to get sober. Me speaking at a school ain’t going to change things. The schools, communities and parents have to keep the ball rolling.”

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Red Ribbon Week Celebrations

Here’s a sampling of Red Ribbon Week activities around the county. Observance officially begins Wednesday, though some events will take place this weekend:

* Buena Park: Raymond Temple School students will decorate 500 grocery bags with anti-drug messages; bags will be used at local supermarkets to promote health.

* Fountain Valley: Red Ribbon Rally and Walk today, 9 a.m. at Fountain Valley Recreational Center, 16400 Brookhurst St. All participants receive free T-shirts and refreshments. Information: (714) 839-8611.

* Fullerton: Thrifty Drug Store, 1027 N. Harbor Blvd., will give free single-scoop ice cream cones all day Thursday to anyone under 18 who comes into the store and says “no to drugs.”

* Garden Grove: Students districtwide will wear red clothing and ribbons to support the anti-drug message throughout the week.

* Huntington Beach: Third annual 5K Run and Walk on Sunday will also include shorter races for children (ages 5-12) and toddlers. Proceeds help fund city’s DARE program. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. at the main beach boardwalk, Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street. Information: (714) 968-6922.

* Irvine: Schools, local businesses and city officials will run the annual Pennies for Prevention Collection. Containers for coins will be scattered throughout the city to raise money for schools. “All Night Dance” will take place at Palace Park entertainment center from 10 p.m. Nov. 10 to 6 a.m. the next day. Open to middle school and high school students.

* La Habra: A 195-square quilting program will be on display at the Children’s Museum Monday through Oct. 26.

* La Palma: La Palma Intercommunity Hospital sponsor a Kick Off Breakfast for Red Ribbon at the La Palma Community Center on Wednesday at 7:45 a.m. Reservations: (714) 523-7700.

* Mission Viejo: Two-mile Walk Against Drugs at Mission Viejo High School stadium today from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be speakers, prizes, competitions and game booths for all ages.

* San Clemente: Children from all eight local schools march down Avenida del Mar in a Red Ribbon Week Parade on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Parade is sponsored by San Clemente Police Services.

* Tustin: Helicopter will fly over Hillview High School and take a picture of students forming the words, “Say No” on Wednesday.

Source: Individual cities