A number of activities are scheduled in Iowa over the next seven days to raise awareness about the problem of substance abuse. Today is the start of National Red Ribbon Week, a campaign established by Congress in 1988 to encourage drug and alcohol abusers to seek help.
Kathy Stone, Behavioral Health Division Director at the Iowa Department of Public Health, says substance abuse is a significant problem in Iowa. She says more than 27,000 Iowans receive publicly-funded substance abuse treatments every year. Many Iowans quietly seek treatment, battle their alcoholism and remain sober for years.
However, Stone says most people have friends or family members that struggle with substance abuse their entire lives. "There are obstacles to recovery," Stone said. "For example, ‘what will other people think?’ There’s still a stigma associated with alcohol dependence and drug abuse. Frequently, by the time people get to the point that they seek help, they’ve already impacted their jobs or their school performance is not so good." She says it’s difficult for people to overcome their past mistake.
Most of the Red Ribbon Week festivities in Iowa focus on young people. "We have an underage drinking problem in Iowa," Stone said. A recent survey of high school juniors in the state found 32% reported having five or more drinks in a row on at least one day in the past month. Stone says the Red Ribbon Week events around the state are designed to raise awareness and encourage participation in drug-free activities.
Some of the activities include a poster contest for elementary school students in Cedar Rapids, a 5K walk/run in Waterloo and a celebration in Sioux City involving games, a pie-eating contest and a talent show.