PRIDE Bermuda is set to launch its 15th Annual Red Ribbon Celebration next week, celebrating the organisations and individuals preventing drug abuse among our young people.The organisation’s executive director Judith Burgess said the celebration is intended to bring focus on the fact that everyone is capable of making a positive impact on the life of a child, preventing drug issues before they can arise.“Our goal is to stop drug abuse before it starts and to continue the message that preventing drug abuse builds a stronger healthier community,” she said.“We know the devastating effects of drugs and alcohol on our community.“The cost of treatment, which is necessary to help those individuals to get back on track to lead productive lives, far outweighs the cost of prevention.“Treating the costly effects of drug abuse on our community can be significantly reduced by allocating more resources to effective prevention and intervention programmes.”The Red Ribbon campaign was first launched in the US in 1988 in honour of Drug Enforcement Agency agent Enrique (Kiki) Camerena, who in 1985 was kidnapped and killed in Mexico after he uncovered a multibillion dollar drug plot.Here in Bermuda, the annual event will begin on Wednesday with a lunch event at Queen Elizabeth Park featuring entertainment by students, alumni and friends of PRIDE Bermuda. The first 150 attendees wearing red at the event will be treated to a brown bag lunch.The event is set to continue on October 26, with PRIDE asking the public to wear red ribbons in support of drug prevention.“We are urging parents and members of the Bermuda community to participate in drug awareness and to educate themselves and their children about the positive effects of drug prevention, while supporting the efforts of PRIDE Bermuda,” Mrs Burgess said.“Collectively, we can make a difference in the lives of Bermuda’s young people.”