A joint resolution to designate October 20 through 28, 1990, as "National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America".
PL 101-459 (S.J.Res.346), enacted 10/24/1990

PUBLIC LAW 101-459—OCT. 24, 1990 
104 STAT. 1071 
Public Law 101-459 
101st Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To designate October 20 through 28, 1990, as "National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug- 
Oct. 24, 1990 
Free America". 
[S.J. Res. 346] 
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 and is one of the largest causes of preventable disease, 
disability, and death in the United States today; 
Whereas alcohol and other drug abuse costs the United States 
nearly $100,009,000,000 each year; 
Whereas illegal drug use is not limited to persons of a particular 
age, gender, or socioeconomic status, as evidenced by the fact 
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 polled, 34 percent reported peer pressure to 
try wine coolers, 41 percent to smoke, and 24 percent to use crack 
or cocaine; and 
(3) Americans age 15 to 24 have a higher rate of deaths due to 
accidents, homicides, and suicides, many of which are related to 
drug and alcohol abuse, than any other age group; 
Whereas the drug problem appears to be insurmountable, but the 
United States has begun to lay the foundation to combat it; 
Whereas the United States must continue the important strides 
made to combat alcohol and other drug abuse; 
Whereas the most recent national polls reveal that— 
(1) the United States has made progress in combatting alcohol 
and other drug abuse; 
(2) there has been a steady decline in the reported use of 
marijuana on a daily basis by high school seniors since 1979; 
(3) marijuana use among high school seniors was at its lowest 
level in 11 years in 1987; 
(4) there was a significant drop in the use of cocaine in 1987; and 
(5) the number of high school seniors associating great risk with 
trying cocaine once or twice rose from 34 percent in 1986 to 48 
percent in 1987; 
Whereas illicit use of stimulants and sedatives continues to decline 
among high school seniors, college students, and young adults in 
general; 
Whereas public opinion polls demonstrate that the American people 
consider drug abuse one of the most serious domestic problems 
facing the United States and have begun to take steps to fight it; 
Whereas the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth 
has declared October 20 through 28, 1990, as "National Red 
Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America", has organized the Na-
tional Red Ribbon Campaign to coordinate the week, has estab-
lished the theme "Line Up to Sign Up for a Drug-free Decade" for 
49-139 O - 90 (459) 
104 STAT. 1072 
PUBLIC LAW 101-459—OCT. 24, 1990 
the week, and has called for a comprehensive public awareness, 
prevention, and education program involving thousands of parent 
and community groups across the country; 
Whereas other outstanding groups and agencies, including the Par-
ents Communication Network, the National Crime Prevention 
Council, the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the Department of 
Justice, the United States Conference of Mayors, the National 
Governors' Association, the Chiefs of Police Drug Task Force, 
Congressional Families for Drug Free Youth, the Parents' Re-
source Institute on Drug Education (PRIDE), the Outdoor 
Advertising Association of America, the National Association of 
State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors, Just Say No Inter-
national, the Corporation Against Drug Abuse (CADA), the Na-
tional Association of Broadcasters, the National School Boards 
Association, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), 
the National Prevention Network, the Office for Substance Abuse 
Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services, the 
National Parents and Teachers Association, the General Federa-
tion of Women's Clubs, the American Council for Drug Education, 
Youth to Youth, the Drug Enforcement Administration of the 
Department of Justice, national youth organizations, and national 
service organizations, have demonstrated leadership, creativity, 
and determination in efforts to achieve a drug-free America; 
Whereas the National Red Ribbon Campaign is headed by President 
and Mrs. George Bush as national honorary chairpersons, and by 
a distinguished national advisory committee, including Bill Cosby, 
Tom Landry, Joan Lunden, Boone Pickens, and Peter Ueberroth; 
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— 
(1) the period of October 20 through 28, 1990, is designated as 
"National Red Ribbon Week for a Drug-Free America"; 
(2) the President is authorized and directed to issue a 
proclamation calling on the people of the United States— 
(A) to observe the week by holding meetings, conferences, 
and fundraising activities to support community and alco-
hol education, and with other appropriate activities, events, 
and educational campaigns; and 
(B) both during the week and thereafter, to wear and 
display red ribbons to present and symbolize commitment 
to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle, and to develop an attitude 
of intolerance concerning the use of drugs; and 
(3) Congress recognizes and commends the hard work and 
dedication of concerned parents, youth, law enforcement, edu-
cators, business leaders, religious leaders, private sector 
PUBLIC LAW 101-459—OCT. 24, 1990 
104 STAT. 1073 
organizations, and Government leaders in combatting the abuse 
of alcohol and other drugs. 
Approved October 24, 1990. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 346: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 136 (1990): 
Sept. 17, considered and passed Senate. 
Oct. 16, considered and passed House. 
o