A joint resolution to designate October 22 through October 29, 1989, as "National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America".
PL 101-124 (S.J.Res.213), enacted 10/24/1989

PUBLIC LAW 101-124—OCT. 24, 1989 
103 STAT. 761 
Public Law 101-124 
101st Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To designate October 22 through October 29.1989, as "National Red Ribbon Week for 
Oct. 24,1989 
a Drug-Free America". 
[S.J. Res. 213] 
Whereas alcohol and other drug abuse has reached epidemic propor-
tions and is of major concern to all Americans; 
Whereas alcohol and other drug abuse is a major public health 
threat £md is one of the largest causes of preventable disease, 
disability, and death in the United States today; • 
Whereas alcohol and other drug abuse costs American society 
nearly $100,000,000,090 a year; 
Whereas illegal drug use does not discriminate on the basis of age, 
gender, or socioeconomic status, as evidenced by the facts that— 
^ 
(1) 23,000,000 Americans age 12 and over currently use illicit 
drugs; 
(2) a nationwide Weekly Reader survey revealed that of the 
68,000 fourth graders poUeid, 34 percent reported peer pressure to 
try wine coolers, 41 percent to smoke, and 24 percent to use crack 
or cocaine; and 
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(3) the 15- to 24-year-old group is djdng at a faster rate than any 
other age group because of accidents, homicides, and suicides, 
many of which are related to drug and alcohol abuse; 
Whereas the drug problem appears to be insurmountable, but 
Americans have begun to lay the foundation to combat it; 
Whereas we must continue the important strides we have made in 
our efforts to prevent cdcohol and other drug abuse; 
Whereas the most recent national polls reveal that progress has 
been made in that— 
(1) since 1979, there has been a steady decline in the use of 
marijuana on a daily basis among high school seniors, and in 1987, 
marijuana use among this group was at its lowest level in 11 x 
years; 
(2) in 1987 there was a significant drop in the use of cocaine, and 
the number of high school seniors associating great risk with 
tr3dng cocaine once or twice rose from 34 percent in 1986 to 48 
^ 
percent in 1987; and 
(3) illicit drug use of stimulants and sedatives continues to 
decline among high school seniors, college students, and young 
adults in general; 
Whereas according to public opinion polls the American people 
consider that drug abuse is one of the most serious domestic 
problems facing this Nation and have begun to take steps to fight 
it; 
Whereas the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth 
has declared October 22 through October 29, 1989, as "National 
Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America", and has called for a 
comprehensive public awareness, prevention, and education pro-
gram involving thousands of parent and community groups across 
the country; 
103 STAT. 762 
PUBLIC LAW 101-124—OCT. 24, 1989 
Whereas other outstanding groups, including the National Parents 
Resource Institute for Drug Education, the Council for Drug 
Education, Just Say No International, the National Crime Preven-
tion Council, the Chiefs of Police National Drug Task Force, the 
National Hispanic Family Against Drug Abuse, national youth 
J organizations, national service organizations, and others, have 
demonstrated leadership, creativity, and determination in achiev-
ing a drug-free America; 
Whereas any use of an illegal drug is unacceptable, and the illegal 
use of a legal drug cannot be tolerated; and 
Whereas alcohol and other drug abuse destroys lives, spawns ramp-
ant crime, undermines our economy, and threatens our national 
security: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the week of October 
22 through October 29, 1989, is designated as "National Red Ribbon 
Week for a Drug-Free America". The United States recognizes and 
commends the hard work and dedication of concerned parents, 
youth, law enforcement, educators, business leaders, religious 
leaders, private sector organizations, and Government leaders, and 
urges that meetings, conferences, and fundraising activities that 
support community and alcohol education take place during Na-
tional Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America with other appro-
priate activities, events, and educational campaigns. Every Amer-
ican is encouraged to wear and display red ribbons during National 
Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America to present and symbolize 
their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle, and to develop an 
attitude of intolerance concerning the use of drugs. 
Approved October 24, 1989. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 213: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 135 (1989): 
Oct. 6, considered and passed Senate. 
Oct. 11, considered and passed House.