Red Ribbon Week Celebrated Across Sevier County

Sevier County, Tennessee (October 23, 2024) – The Sevier County Office of Alcohol and Drug Programs and Sevier County C.A.R.E.S., alongside the Pigeon Forge Police Department, Sevier County Board of Education, City of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg Police Department, City of Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Sky Park, and many others, are proud to celebrate Red Ribbon Week.

Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually from October 23-31, highlighting the importance of living a drug-free life. It provides an opportunity for parents, educators, and communities to reinforce drug-free messages shared with children throughout the year. Many Sevier County schools will use Red Ribbon Week to discuss the dangers of drugs and alcohol with students. Teachers often focus on educating students about prescription medication safety, the risks of alcohol, tobacco, vaping, marijuana, and other harmful substances, as well as how to handle peer pressure.

The Sevier County Office of Alcohol and Drug Programs and Sevier County C.A.R.E.S. have a dedicated staff that provides county-wide substance use prevention, overdose education, treatment resources, family support, and other services related to substance misuse. They collaborate with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, local law enforcement, DEA Knoxville, and many other local, state, and federal agencies.

In celebration of Red Ribbon Week, the Sevier County Courthouse, Gatlinburg Sky Park, and The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at the Island in Pigeon Forge will be lit up in red. This also serves as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, who lost his life fighting drug trafficking, and to all those who have fought and continue to fight this battle.

For more information or resources regarding Red Ribbon Week, or services provided by the Sevier County Office of Alcohol and Drug Programs or Sevier County C.A.R.E.S., please contact (865) 774-3746.