R 141738Z OCT 21
MARADMIN 548/21
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF//
SUBJ/23-31 OCTOBER 2021 NATIONAL RED RIBBON WEEK AND 23 OCTOBER 2021 PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY CAMPAIGN//
REF/A/MSGID: LTR/USD P&R MEMO/YMD: 20210324//
POC/ERIC HOLLINS/GS-13/UNIT:MFCP-1/-/TEL: DSN 278-9526//
EMAIL: ERIC.C.HOLLINS@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  This MARADMIN provides information for this year’s Red Ribbon Week observance and semi-annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
2.  Red Ribbon Week Campaign
2.a.  Each year our nation celebrates Red Ribbon Week, a national voluntary effort to increase awareness of the consequences of illegal drug use and the need for prevention efforts.  Red Ribbon Week is inspired by the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. Camarena, whom drug traffickers murdered in 1985.  His sacrifice continues to serve as a reminder to fight the war on drugs.  The week is observed by distributing red ribbons with a slogan and theme about a drug-free life during the last seven days of October.  Marine Corps activities are encouraged. Examples include providing resource information and infographics; publishing articles and events of interest in local media; and allowing Marines and family members to participate in appropriate observances supporting Red Ribbon Week.  Civilian personnel are also encouraged to participate in community activities.
2.b.  Commands can obtain further information from the National Family Partnership (800-474-0008) and the installation Drug Demand Reduction Programs.
2.c.  Commands should use Red Ribbon Week to increase suicide awareness. Suicide is one of the 10 leading causes of death in the country.  The Marine Corps needs to raise awareness and join the effort to create an atmosphere that reduces stigma and encourages help-seeking behaviors, while having tough conversations with our Marines and Sailors.
3.  National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Campaign
3.a.  The semi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day occurs on 23 Oct 21. It aims to provide a safe, reasonable means to dispose of prescription drugs, while educating the general public about the potential abuse of medications.
3.b.  Benefits of properly disposing of prescription drugs include avoiding the inadvertent consumption by youth; deterring misuse by teens and adults; and preventing medications from entering the water supply through improper disposal.
3.c.  Substance Abuse Program (SAP) Directors and Drug Demand Reduction Coordinators (DDRCs) are encouraged to support this year’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day.  Additionally, SAP Directors and DDRCs may contact local Provost Marshal offices to support this event onboard their installations.  During the event, installation DDRCs are encouraged to field questions and provide individuals with information regarding the dangers of prescription drug abuse.  Additionally, each SAP is encouraged to coordinate with local law enforcement officials to establish collection points for Marines, family members, civilian employees, and retirees to anonymously and safely turn in unused, unneeded, and expired prescription medications for disposal.
4.  Additional information on national collection sites can be found on the Drug Enforcement Administration website, https:(slash)(slash)www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/
5.  Release authorized by LtGen David A. Ottignon, Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//