Programs & Initiatives
Red Ribbon Week & “Plant the Promise”
Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign whose goal is to provide awareness about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, while also promoting the advantages to living a drug-free, healthy lifestyle. The Coalition’s signature program is “Plant the Promise”. This program began back in 2007 as a way to make Red Ribbon Week a more encompassing, year-long event. Schools throughout the community celebrate Red Ribbon Week at the end of October – a week devoted to talking about the dangers of substance abuse and the advantages to living a drug free life. Our community has taken this concept and expanded it to include a healthy lifestyle in general and recognizes that it takes more than one week to make a difference.
Thousands of red tulip bulbs have been planted at more than 65 locations in the Talawanda School District. Members of our community also help to plant the promise – promising to do their part in helping young people grow up in a safe, healthy community and supporting their good choices, futures and dreams.
Businesses, faith-based organizations, agencies, offices, and both Miami University and Talawanda Schools have planted tulips because they believe in young people and believe that it is our responsibility to build relationships and ignite sparks for every child. We are so fortunate to live in a community that demonstrates this to our young people on a daily basis.
Youth Action Team
The Youth Action Team is made up of middle school, high school, and Miami University students who are committed to building leadership skills, positive character traits, and empowering their peers to take an active role in their school and the greater community to reduce substance use/abuse.
These student leaders help to plan alternative activities, share prevention messages, and work to address community level concerns.
There are also teams that work at the school/University level:
- Brave Initiative Team – Talawanda Middle School
- Youth Initiative Team – Talawanda High School
- Miami Initiative Team – Miami University
Medication Disposal & Take Back Events
Twice a year the Coalition hosts a medication take back day for the entire community. This is done in partnership with McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital|TriHealth, Miami University Police Department and Oxford Police Department. Residents can drop off non-liquid medications with no questions asked. The medications are disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way by law enforcement officials
Medications can also always be dropped off at either Police Department.
Rox the Fox Comic Book Series
Rox loves when residents make healthy choices! Thanks to our partnership with Miami University, we have produced a series of comic books that share healthy habits with residents of all ages. Check them all out here!
The Importance of Mask Wearing
The Curse of the Solar Eclipse
The Amazing Power of Superfoods
The Attack of the Screen Zombies
Frozen in Time: The Game of Tag
Rox was developed by a Talawanda Middle School student and has “come to life” as our mascot. Whenever you see Rox you can be assured that healthy activities, messaging, and choices are being shared. Rox has most recently appeared in a series of comic books that highlight five healthy habits, including eating fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, laughing to promote mental health, reducing screen time, and engaging in physical activity.
FRESH Air Fair – (Family Resources and Education on Safety and Health)
In April, this fair provides families with young children the opportunity to have fun and learn about resources that are available to help promote safe, healthy homes, neighborhoods and communities.
