As with many movements and causes there are many colored ribbons that signify their respective organizations.

This was the case late last week when National Red Ribbon Week concluded at the end of October.

While the red ribbon that signifies this movement may not be as widely recognized as some others, the impact is just as substantial.

The cause looks to educate our youth about being drug and alcohol free.

In a region that has been ravaged over the years where the abuse of drugs and alcohol can develop and become a generational epidemic, increasing education and awareness is essential.

While October is better known for Breast Cancer Awareness, creating attention for all of these causes is an important step to stem the tide and change the culture in relation to the goals of drug and alcohol awareness.

Ultimately, there are many more challenges for our youth today that previous generations did not have to deal with or had never heard of.

Continuing all of these efforts will provide an invaluable service for our communities.

It is important, however, to remember that the drug and alcohol problem for our youth was not created overnight, so it will take time to see the change.