23-31 October 2024 National Red Ribbon Week and 26 October 2024 Prescription Drug Take Back Day Campaign

1.  This MARADMIN provides information for this
year's Red Ribbon Week Campaign, 23-31 October 2024 and semi-annual
Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 26 October 2024.
2.  Red Ribbon Week Campaign
2.a.  Each year our nation celebrates Red Ribbon Week, a national
voluntary effort to increase awareness of the consequences of
illegal drug use and the need for prevention efforts.  Red Ribbon
Week is inspired by the service and sacrifice of Drug Enforcement
Administration Special Agent and prior service Marine, Enrique S.
Camarena, who was tortured and murdered by drug traffickers in 1985.
His ultimate sacrifice for our nation continues to serve as a
reminder to fight the war on drugs.  The theme for 2024 is
"Life is A Movie, Film Drug Free."  The week is observed by
distributing red ribbons during the last seven days of October.
Marine Corps awareness and prevention activities are encouraged
throughout the 2024 Red Ribbon Week.  Examples include providing
resource information and infographics, publishing articles and
events of interest in local media, and allowing Marines and their
family members to participate in appropriate observances supporting
Red Ribbon Week.  Civilian personnel are also encouraged to
participate in community activities.
2.b.  Commands can obtain further information from the National
Family Partnership, (305)856-4886, and their installation's Drug
Demand Reduction Coordinator.
2.c.  Red Ribbon Week efforts can enhance suicide prevention as
well.  Each year, about half of all suicide attempts in the Marine
Corps involve overdose, and the methods used to reduce access to
illicit drugs can reduce risk of suicide attempt by overdose.  Let
us create an atmosphere that reduces stigma, promotes lethal means
safety, and encourages help-seeking behaviors, while having honest
conversations with our Marines and Sailors.  Suicide prevention
resources and infographics are located on the Manpower and Reserve
Affairs website at https:(slash)(slash) www.manpower.usmc.mil/
wordpress/?active_marine=active-marines-home/marine-and-family
-programs-mf/behavioral-programs-branch/suicide-prevention-
capability/suicide-prevention-program-officer-and-coordinator-tool
-kit.
3.  National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Campaign
3.a.  The semi-annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day takes
place on 26 October 2024.  This campaign aims to provide a safe,
reasonable way to dispose of prescription drugs, while also
educating the general public about the potential abuse of
medications.
3.b.  Benefits of proper disposal of prescription drugs include
avoiding inadvertent consumption by youth, deterring misuse by teens
and adults, reducing access to lethal means, and preventing
medications from entering the water supply through improper
disposal.
3.c.  Substance Assessment and Counseling Center (SACC) Directors
and Drug Demand Reduction Coordinators (DDRCs) are encouraged to
support this year's Prescription Drug Take Back Day, field
questions, provide individuals with information regarding the
dangers of prescription drug misuse.  SACC Directors and DDRCs are
also encouraged to partner with their local Provost Marshal offices
to support local events such as collection points for Marines,
family members, civilian employees, and retirees to anonymously and
safely turn in unused, unneeded, and/or expired prescription
medications for disposal.
4.  Additional information on national collection sites can be found
on the Drug Enforcement Administration website, https:(slash)(slash)
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/takeback.html.
5.  In addition to encouraging the sponsorship and participation of
the anti-drug activities during the Red Ribbon Week and throughout
the year, Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) seeks nominations for the
34th annual Secretary of Defense Community Drug Awareness Awards.
The Community Drug Awareness Awards recognize the best Drug Demand
Reduction Program within the Marine Corps.  The notification of
the OSD Memorandum (Drug Takeback/Red Ribbon/34th Community Drug
Award) reference (a) was sent to all Marine Corps major
installations on 12 March 2024.
5.a.  Eligibility: All installations are eligible for this award.
Nominations for the Secretary of Defense Community Drug Awareness
Award shall cover the period of FY 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September
30, 2024).
5.b.  How to apply: Nominations must be sent to HQMC Drug Demand
Reduction Program at DDRP@usmc.mil no later than 10 July 2024. See
reference (a) for complete details on the nomination procedures. For
more information, refer to your Substance Abuse Program in your
installation.
6.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Active Component, members of
the Selected Marine Corps Reserve, Marines on Active Duty
Operational Support Orders, their family members and, when
authorized by law, other populations such as civilian personnel.
7.  Release authorized by Lieutenant General James F. Glynn, Deputy
Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.