Senate Resolution No. 642 BY: Senator THOMAS MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 23-31, 2023, 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 dedicated to increasing awareness of serious and important issues impacting citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 23-31, 2023, as Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Red Ribbon Week; and WHEREAS, In 1980, The National Family Partnership was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization by a group of concerned parents committed to playing an active role in drug prevention education and advocacy; and WHEREAS, The National Family Partnership organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign after the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena; parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons to represent their commitment to increasing awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in the country; and WHEREAS, Enrique Camarena believed that one person could make a difference; this belief was used as the model at the start of the Red Ribbon Campaign and it continues to be the belief as the campaign reaches the lives of millions of American children and families; and WHEREAS, Under the leadership of President Peggy B. Sapp, the National Red Ribbon Campaign has become an annual national event that acts as a major force in raising awareness and mobilizing communities in the fight against drugs; and WHEREAS, "Be Drug Free, Love Yourself," is the winning theme for the 2023 Red Ribbon Week; created by Emily King, Chelsea Abbott and Celise Wicker, 7th gracers at Wayland-Cohocton Middle School in Wayland, New York, the theme will continue to be used all throughout 2023 in thousands of schools and communities across the country; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize Red Ribbon Week in order to raise awareness regarding the serious issues surrounding drugs today and to promote the betterment of drug education and prevention in New York State and beyond; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 23-31, 2023, as Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.