NASHUA – Thursday marked the end of Red Ribbon Week, a nationally recognized week during which participants show their dedication to living healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

In Nashua, particularly within its school district, Red Ribbon Week was recognized Oct. 21 through Oct. 27.

The week began with a proclamation read by Mayor Jim Donchess, who was joined by members of Students Against Destructive Decisions clubs representing Nashua High School North, Nashua High School South, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Nashua, Nashua Police Athletic League (PAL) and Fairgrounds Middle School, as well as the Nashua Prevention Coalition and several other youth organizations.

“It’s just a fantastic event that really set the tone for the entire week,” Nashua Prevention Coalition Director of Programming Kameo Chasse said.

Each year, the Nashua Prevention Coalition works to take a community-based approach during the week. The coalition has been participating in Red Ribbon Week since 2009, Chasse said.

This year’s activities included offering resource tables at St. Joseph Hospital and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, hosting giveaways and providing flyers at downtown businesses, dental offices and on pizza boxes, collaborating with the Nashua Police Department for National Drug Take Back Day and decorating Main Street.

According to Chasse, there is still more work to be done.

“We have to work at going beyond Red Ribbon Week. This week is a great example of bringing the community together and bringing awareness around substance use, but it doesn’t stop after the 31st,” Chasse said.

At the beginning of the week, the coalition started a pledge on their website, which encouraged families to support healthy choices and have conversations about the harms of substance use.

“I pledge to support a Nashua community that helps youth grow up healthy, happy, and substance-free by:

• Having open, nonjudgmental communication;

• Being loving, supportive, and compassionate;

• Leading by example and being a role model;

• Spending time with family regularly;

• Taking regular technology timeouts; and

• Educating and learning from one another.”

As part of Red Ribbon Week, Chasse said the coalition started vaping workshops at Fairgrounds Middle school. In November, they will host a workshop at Pennichuck Middle School.

Chasse said the workshops went well.

“I think the tide is starting to change with the youth perspective on vaping. As we’re educating them and having conversations with them, they’re starting to realize they’re being targeted by the e-cigarette marketing. A lot of them are very receptive and we try to make it a very engaging discussion because we know that talking at them doesn’t work,” Chasse said. “The kids were engaged and frankly, quite honest.”

Nashua Prevention Coalition members will also be offering vaping workshops next week during the district’s In-Service Day, as they will be speaking with staff members to see what resources they can provide.

Chasse believes Red Ribbon Week is important because it “pushes people to recognize that prevention is important.”

“Red Ribbon Week in general encourages people from all walks of life to get involved and realize we have a role in educating the youth on making healthy choices,” Chasse said.

She added, “Just because the week is over doesn’t mean the conversation is,” Chasse said.

The Nashua Prevention Coalition will be continuing that conversation through upcoming parent workshops called “Staying Connected with you Teens.” These will be 5:30-8 p.m. on Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 at 113 W. Pearl St. Dinner will be provided.

To register, visit waypointnh.org/happenings/nashua-areawaypointnh.org.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.

Newsletter