A joint resolution to designate October 24-30, 1988 as Drug Free America Week.
PL 100-455 (S.J.Res.329), enacted 09/29/1988

102 STAT. 1916 
PUBLIC LAW 100-455—SEPT. 29, 1988 
Public Law 100-455 
100th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
Sept. 29, 1988 
[S.J. Res. 329] 
To designate October 24 through October 30, 1988, as "Drug Free America Week". 
Whereas illicit drug and alcohol abuse has reached epidemic propor-
tions and is of major concern to all Americans; 
Whereas illegal drug and alcohol use 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 drug and alcohol abuse cost American society nearly 
$100,000,000,000 a year in lost productivity; 
Whereas illegal drug use does not discriminate on the basis of age, 
gender, or socioeconomic status as evidenced by the following 
statistics: 
(1) twenty-three million Americans age twelve and over cur-
rently use illicit drugs, 
(2) a nationwide Weekly Reader survey revealed that of the 
sixty-eight thousand fourth graders polled, 34 per centum re-
ported peer pressure to try wine coolers, 41 per centum to smoke, 
and 24 per centum to use crack or cocaine, 
(3) the fifteen-to-twenty-four-year-old age group is dying at a 
faster rate than any other age group because of accidents, homi-
cides, and suicides, much of which is related to drug and alcohol 
abuse; 
Whereas the problem is not insurmountable. Americans have begun 
to lay the foundation; however, we must continue to build on the 
important strides we have made in our efforts to prevent illegal 
drug and alcohol use. The most recent national polls reveal that 
progress has been made— 
(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 eleven 
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 
trying cocaine once or twice rose from 34 per centum in 1986 to 48 
per centum in 1987, and 
(3) illicit use of stimulants and sedatives continues to decline 
among high school seniors, college students, and young adults in 
general; 
Whereas the American people indicate that drug abuse is one of the 
most serious domestic problems facing this Nation according to 
public opinion polls and have begun to take steps to fight it; 
Whereas the National Federation of Parents for Drug-Free Youth 
has declared October 23 through October 30, 1988, as "National 
Red Ribbon Week"—a comprehensive public education and fund-
raising drive, involving thousands of parent groups across the 
country; 
Whereas other outstanding groups such as the American Council for 
Drug Education, the Just Say No Foundation, the National Par-
PUBLIC LAW 100-455—SEPT. 29, 1988 
102 STAT. 1917 
ents Resource Institute for Drug Education, TARGET, the Na-
tional Crime Prevention Council, the Elks, and others have dem-
onstrated leadership, creativity, and determination in achieving a 
drug-free America; 
Whereas we must get the message across that any use of an illegal 
drug is unacceptable—that there is no safe use of these drugs— 
and that illegal drug use will not be tolerated; 
Whereas drug and alcohol abuse undermines our economy, threat-
ens our national security, affects productivity, and ruins and 
destroys lives: 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 24 through October 30, 1988, be designated as "Drug Free 
America Week". The Senate of the United States recognizes and 
• 
commends the hard work and dedication of concerned parents, 
educators, business leaders, private sector organizations, and 
government leaders and urges them to continue their tenacious 
efforts. The Senate urges these groups to sponsor town meetings, 
conferences, and fundraising activities that support community 
drug and alcohol education and to observe "Drug Free America 
Week" with other appropriate activities, events, and educational 
campaigns. 
SEC. 2. Every American is encouraged to wear red during the 
"Drug Free America Week" to symbolize their commitment to a 
healthy, drug-free lifestyle. 
Approved September 29, 1988. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 329: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): 
July 26, considered and passed Senate. 
Sept. 16, considered and passed House.