LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joan Heaney in recognition of her dedi-
cated efforts on behalf of Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joan
Heaney in recognition of her dedicated efforts on behalf of Red Ribbon
Week in the State of New York, a program to end drug abuse; and
WHEREAS, In 1985, Federal DEA Agent, Enrique Camarena was kidnapped
and murdered by drug traffickers leaving behind a wife, three young
sons, and a community outraged by the senseless destruction caused by
drugs; residents in his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing
red ribbons in his honor; and
WHEREAS, Three years later, The National Family Partnership organized
the first National Red Ribbon Week, adopting the red ribbon as a symbol
of its commitment to fight the illegal use of drugs; it was formally
proclaimed by the United States Congress and has continued annually ever
since; and
WHEREAS, Drug abuse remains a serious problem that erodes the health
of our nation, damages families, and costs billions of dollars each
year; every October, people around the country wear red ribbons or red
clothing and decorate public spaces in recognition of National Red
Ribbon Week's fight against drug abuse; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, Joan Heaney, then Assistant to the Director of Citi-
zens Alliance to Prevent Drug Abuse, recognized the need for New York
State's participation in the program and presented the idea to her
organization's board of directors; it was quickly approved; and
WHEREAS, Joan Heaney personally traveled throughout New York State,
successfully urging teachers and school administrators to join National
Red Ribbon Week; she gained support from many celebrities and even the
Buffalo Bills Football Team in her mission to publicize the fight
against illegal drugs; and
WHEREAS, As part of National Drug Awareness Month, Red Ribbon Week in
the State of New York was vital in combatting the perception among young
people that "everybody does it," in regard to harmful substances; it was
a key part of many rallies, parades, and assemblies against drug use in
New York schools; and
WHEREAS, Now approaching its 25th Anniversary, this vital program has
been successful due in great part to the dedication shown by Joan
Heaney; it continues to honor the memory of slain DEA Agent Camarena by
educating the youth of our great State; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Joan Heaney in recognition of her dedicated efforts on behalf of
Red Ribbon Week in the State of New York, a program to end drug abuse;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joan Heaney.