This is Red Ribbon Week, the largest drug abuse prevention campaign in the world, and Manning community partners are pulling together to raise awareness and encourage healthy, drug-free kids. The Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), the IKM-Manning Community School District, City of Manning Police Department and many other local entities work hard year-round, but have amplified those efforts for this recognition period. “According to the 2019 Community Health Needs assessment, smoking and vaping were tied for the third most important health issue affecting our communities. Therefore, we felt it was important for many organizations to come together during Red Ribbon Week to encourage students and adults alike to be drug- and alcohol-free,” says MRHC CEO, Linn Block. IKM-Manning students in preschool through eighth grade are showing their support by coloring various designs that feature drug-free messaging and these are being displayed throughout Manning at businesses and storefronts. They will also be participating in dress up days, classroom activities and a special Red Ribbon Week BINGO for a chance to win one of 10 candy bouquets from Kristina’s Flowers, thanks to a grant from the Thrivent Action Team. “Although educational presentations are limited this year due to COVID-19, the Crawford County drug dogs are coming for a presentation to seventh and eighth grade students,” says IKM-Manning Guidance Counselor, Rachel Merkel. “I addition, the Manning Police Department will be talking to each of the classes.”
