(top) Santa Monica Police Officer Dawson gives field sobriety test to St. Monica High School Students on Tuesda, October 21, 2008, during "Red Ribbon Week." (center) St. Monica's High School Students wear 'Drunk Buster Goggle' to simulate .08 Impairment. (above) Santa Monica Police Officer John Gallagher gives a Breathalyzer test to a St. Monica High School student. The educational event was sponsored by SMPD and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD.
MADD is a non-profit organization that seeks to stop drunk driving, support those affected by drunk driving and prevent underage drinking. The campaign is a unified way for communities to take a stand against drugs and show intolerance for illicit drug use and the consequences to all Americans. The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-October 31 each year.
Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually, every October and is a way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against substance abuse. Schools, businesses, the faith community, media, families, and community coalitions join together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week in many ways, such as: sponsoring essay and poster contests; organizing drug-free races; decorating buildings in red; handing out red ribbons to customers; holding parades or community events; and by publicizing the value of a drug-free, healthy lifestyle.