The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to raise awareness of living a drug-free life. UA Cossatot celebrated Red Ribbon Week from October 25 through October 31.
Students from all four of UA Cossatot's Campuses took part in Red Ribbon Week. The UA Cossatot students who participated were both secondary and post-secondary students.
Special events and activities were held throughout the week, such as mock traffic stops, local police visits, and guest speakers. Students could pick up a red ribbon wrist band at the college's Educational Resource Center, where informational literature about drug prevention was also available.
UA Cossatot Campus Police Officer, Jason Curtis gave several presentations during Red Ribbon Week. Curtis said, "Red Ribbon Week is a great time to teach students about the effects and consequences of using drugs. During my presentation on Tuesday, we talked about drug abuse and alcohol abuse, and students were able to use impairment goggles to simulate one aspect of being intoxicated. Using the goggles, we tried to perform everyday activities such as accepting a cup from someone and picking up dropped coins. We also had a display box with simulated drugs for the students to look at."
UA Cossatot's other Campus Police Officers, Monte Stringfellow and Hector Cortez, participated in Red Ribbon Week by assisting with events, presentations, and information. The college also received help from the surrounding counties during Red Ribbon Week.
Wayne Baker, with the De Queen City Police Department and Deputy Chet Stubbs, with the Sevier County Police Department, created mock traffic stop situations on the De Queen Campus. They provided information and also answered questions.
At the Nashville Campus, Kyle Jones, with the Arkansas State Police, created similar scenarios where students could learn and observe. He also gave field sobriety demonstrations. Mark Barnes and Blake Eudy, with the Nashville Police Department, discussed consequences and sentencing that occur due to illegal drug use. The college also had special guest speakers from the Howard County Drug Court come and tell their stories on how drugs and alcohol have affected their life.
Red Ribbon Week concluded with a "Red out Day" where everyone at the college was encouraged to wear red to show their support.
