Nebraska organizations are raising awareness about drug use as part of Red Ribbon Week

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – The nation's largest and longest-running drug prevention campaign, Red Ribbon Week, kicks off Wednesday.

Each year, the week serves as a call to action to talk to children about substance abuse and mental health.

In Lincoln, Imagine by Northpoint encourages families to start conversations early.

Imagine opened in August and offers youth treatments such as group therapy that can help prevent substance abuse or psychiatric emergencies in adulthood.

Experts say that while it may be difficult to talk about, it will be helpful later to talk about these topics with children between the ages of 7 and 10, before puberty.

Mark Jones, regional vice president of Northpoint Recovery, said putting it in a problem-solving situation instead of a lecture also helps children be more responsive.

“It takes a certain level of courage and creativity to have these conversations with young people, but young people get it,” he said. “The sooner you start with this message, the better the results.”

The Omaha Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration is also spreading the message and giving presentations on drug abuse to communities in the five states where it operates.

On Monday, the department joined Gov. Jim Pillen as he signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 23-31 as Red Ribbon Week across the state.

And last week, three DEA agents traveled 1,400 miles to raise awareness of the event, ending at the Nebraska State Capitol.

The department will also light several landmarks red, including the Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge and Fountain Ridge in Omaha.

Click here Subscribe to our daily digest of 10/11 NOW and breaking news delivered straight to your email inbox.

Copyright 2024 COLOGNE. All rights reserved.