DC National Guard Counterdrug Program and MPD Unite for "Plant the Promise" Event, Inspiring Youth to Choose Drug-Free Futures

Photo By Sgt. Simone Sampson | The DC National Guard Counterdrug Program partners with the Metropolitan Police Department's 4th District Community Outreach Unit to host a Plant the Promise event at Center City Public Charter School's Brightwood Campus, October 29, 2024. The event encouraged students to commit to a drug-free lifestyle as part of Red Ribbon Week. By participating, the DC National Guard aims to inspire youth to make healthy choices and build a drug-free future.. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt.Simone Sampson)  

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

10.31.2024

Story by Sgt. Simone Sampson 

715th Public Affairs Detachment

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The DC National Guard Counterdrug Program's Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO) section partnered with the Metropolitan Police Department's 4th District Community Outreach Unit to host a meaningful Plant the Promise event at Center City Public Charter School's Brightwood Campus on October 29, 2024.

The event aimed to inspire young people to make healthy choices as part of the DEA’s Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign commemorating DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who lost his life in the fight against drug trafficking. Each year, Red Ribbon Week promotes drug-free communities through educational initiatives and activities that engage youth and build awareness around substance abuse prevention.

Plant the Promise brought 5th to 8th-grade students together in a symbolic tulip planting activity. Students planted bulbs that will bloom in the spring, representing both their commitment to stay drug-free and their own potential for growth. As the tulips flourish, they’ll serve as a living reminder of the students' pledge to make healthy, positive choices. At the event, students also participated in a ceremonial pledge signing, where they publicly committed to remaining drug-free.

“Plant the Promise provided the DDRO team with a chance to engage future generations in meaningful conversations about leading healthy, drug-free lives, while offering a hands-on experience to reinforce that message,” said TSgt. Andrea Moreno, Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of the DDRO section.

The DDRO team, as part of the DC National Guard Counterdrug Program, continually works with partners like the Metropolitan Police Department and other community organizations to reduce drug demand through education, outreach, and engagement. By collaborating with schools and community programs, they aim to expand awareness city-wide, fostering resilience and encouraging youth to make informed choices.

Events like Red Ribbon Week and Plant the Promise are essential parts of the DDRO’s mission to empower young people and strengthen the community’s commitment to a drug-free future.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2024
• Date Posted: 11.14.2024 11:13
• Story ID: 484635
• Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US