Senate Resolution No. 1956

BY: Senator HANNON

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
October 23-31, 2017, as Red Ribbon Week in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 23-31, 2017, as
Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with National
Red Ribbon Week; and

WHEREAS, The National Family Partnership was established as a
grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and
determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a
leadership role in drug prevention; and

WHEREAS, As a national leader in drug prevention education and
advocacy, the National Family Partnership leads and supports the
nation's families and communities in nurturing the full potential of
healthy, drug-free youth; and

WHEREAS, In 1988, the National Family Partnership sponsored the
first National Red Ribbon Celebration to raise awareness about the
dangers of drug use; and

WHEREAS, The Red Ribbon Campaign was started in response to the
murder of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent, Enrique Camarena, which
angered the parents and youth in communities across the country; in
response, they started wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their
commitment to raising awareness of the killing and destruction caused by
drugs in America; and

WHEREAS, These individuals formed coalitions, using Enrique Camarena
as their model and embraced his belief that one person can make a
difference; since 1985, the campaign has reached the lives of millions
of people around the world; and

WHEREAS, The National Family Partnership and its network of
individuals and organizations continue to deliver Enrique Camarena's
message of hope to millions of people every year, through the National
Red Ribbon Campaign; and

WHEREAS, Today the Red Ribbon Campaign serves as a catalyst to
mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in
drug prevention activities; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of President Peggy B. Sapp,
the National Family Partnership has developed the National Red Ribbon
Campaign into an annual national event that is a major force for raising
awareness and mobilizing communities in the fight against drugs; and


WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue, and more must be done to increase activity at the
local, State and National levels; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 23-31, 2017, as
Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with National
Red Ribbon Week; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.