Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) is encouraging parents and families to discuss the dangers of drug use with their children during Red Ribbon Week, taking place from October 22-30. The campaign to keep kids off drugs is especially important as families gear up for Halloween.

“Red Ribbon Week gives us a chance to focus on our greatest responsibility as community members, which is to protect our children from harm,” said Hawley. “With Halloween just around the corner, child safety should be on the forefront of everyone’s mind. A family-oriented, community-based approach to keeping kids off drugs can save lives and protect the future of Western New York. I encourage everyone to take some time during Red Ribbon Week to speak with their children about saying ‘no’ to drugs.”

Red Ribbon Week was created in honor of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered by drug traffickers while working undercover in Mexico. For more information, please visit their Web site.