News : Red Ribbon Week to focus on tobacco this year

Benton County students have identified tobacco use as a major issue in their schools. The statistics back up their claims. According to the Iowa Youth Survey, 14% of 8th graders in Benton County have used tobacco. Many more students are starting or continuing their tobacco use into their high school years.

Currently there are advocacy groups in Benton high schools that are working to prevent tobacco use among their peers. These groups are using Red Ribbon Week as one way to educate and highlight the topic of substance abuse.

Red Ribbon week runs from October 23-31st this year and is a national campaign. Benton advocacy groups will be hosting a variety of activities that include bringing attention to the issue of tobacco use by youth. One of those events includes giving out red ribbons to make the statement that you don’t want to lose a loved one to substance abuse. Another activity will include wearing red hearts, stickers, or red shirts to promote the old slogan “Hugs, not drugs”.

If you are raising a child in Benton County we encourage you to talk with them about the effects of tobacco use on their lives. Even if you are a tobacco user, it is important that they hear about the effects of tobacco from you directly. If you have tried to quit, but have not had any luck, let your kids know how hard it can be to quit once they start using tobacco.

Thanks to the students in Benton County that are working hard to prevent substance use and abuse.

Other Stats:

Linn County Stat: 6% of 8th graders have used tobacco

Jones County stat: 7% of 8th graders have used tobacco

-- Lindsey Ungs, Certified Prevention Specialist