CITY OF FRESNO
Office of Council President Annalisa Perea
and Councilmember Tyler Maxwell
WHEREAS, Red Ribbon Week serves as an important reminder for the Fresno community to unite in promoting drug and alcohol awareness, and advocating for prevention efforts that support youth and families; and
WHEREAS, statistics underscore the importance of this mission: nearly 50% of Fresno County high school students report recent alcohol use, compared to a statewide average of 33%. Additionally, 50% of Fresno’s 9th-grade students report easy access to marijuana, with binge drinking rates among 7th and 9th graders slightly surpassing California's average; and
WHEREAS, the need for early education is emphasized by alarming rates of substance abuse initiation in Fresno, where the average age of first-time drug or alcohol use is between 12 and 14 years old. Youth treatment admissions for marijuana and alcohol use continue to increase, highlighting the need for effective education to prevent lifelong substance misuse; and
WHEREAS, through the leadership of Council President Annalisa Perea, the City of Fresno has taken a proactive role in public health and safety, becoming the first city in California to pass an ordinance requiring restaurants, bars, and nightclubs serving alcohol to provide access to Naloxone Hydrochloride nasal spray, commonly known as “Narcan,” a vital medication in the fight against opioid overdoses within Central California; and
WHEREAS, the National Family Partnership is sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign®, providing citizens an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to drug and alcohol-free lifestyles, such as the non-use of illegal drugs and the non-use of legal drugs being consumed illegally; and
WHEREAS, through initiatives like Red Ribbon Week, Fresno’s schools, families, and local organizations play a critical role in equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy, informed choices; and
WHEREAS, we encourage all citizens, particularly our youth, to recognize the importance of substance abuse prevention and to actively contribute to fostering a healthy drug and alcohol-free community.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Council President Annalisa Perea, Mayor Jerry P.
Dyer, and the Fresno City Councilmembers, do hereby proclaim October 23rd - October 30th as:
“Red Ribbon Week”
in the City of Fresno.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the Great Seal of the City of Fresno, California, on this 31st day of October 2024.
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JERRY P. DYER, Honorable Mayor
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MIKE KARBASSI, Council Vice President, District 2
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TYLER MAXWELL, Councilmember, District 4
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GARRY BREDEFELD, Councilmember, District 6
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ANNALISA PEREA, Council President, District 1
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MIGUEL ARIAS, Councilmember, District 3
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LUIS CHAVEZ, Councilmember, District 5
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NELSON ESPARZA, Councilmember, District 7