During a recent government meeting in St. George, Utah, Mayor Michelle Randall and the city council proclaimed the week of October 23rd to 31st, 2024, as Red Ribbon Week, emphasizing the community's commitment to drug prevention education. The proclamation was accepted by Hallie Bridges, a prevention specialist at the Southwest Bureau Health Center, along with two students from the local youth coalition. The initiative, part of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks National Drug Awareness Program, aims to educate families about the dangers of drug use and promote a drug-free lifestyle.

In addition to the drug awareness proclamation, the council also declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This initiative highlights the serious issue of domestic violence, which affects individuals across all demographics. The proclamation noted alarming statistics, including that one in three women and one in four men in Utah will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. The Dove Center, represented by Executive Director Jillian Pinhill, expressed gratitude for the city's support in establishing transitional housing for victims of domestic violence.

Both proclamations reflect the city's ongoing efforts to address critical social issues and promote community health and safety. The council urged residents to engage in educational activities and support initiatives aimed at preventing drug abuse and domestic violence throughout the year.