Houston Crackdown
Events
Contact Ray Andrews at 832.393.0913
Below are a sample of some of the annual events that the Houston Crackdown program runs, participates in, or provides support for.
DEA National RX Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) coordinates DEA National RX Take Back Day. Americans who previously participated turned in more than 377,086 pounds (188.5 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,327 take-back sites that were available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. In Houston, approximately 2,824 lbs of prescription pills were collected at multiple sites around the city. The date will be on the April 27, 2024 from 10 AM – 2 PM. If you would like to learn more information on DEA National RX Take Back Day please go to www.dea.gov/takebackday.
Houston/Harris County Candlelight Vigil - October 26, 2023
We are joining the Houston/Harris County Office of Drug Policy, Houston Crackdown, the Drug Enforcement Agency, MADD, and a number of community-based organizations in planning our annual Candlelight Vigil honoring loved ones who have lost their lives due to drugs and alcohol. This event has shown tremendous growth each year. This takes place at Steps of City Hall during the annual Drug Prevention Month observance in October.
National Inhalant Prevention Coalition
Prevention through education has proven to work against this popular form of substance abuse. This is why the National Inhalant Prevention Coalition has developed National Inhalants & Poisons Awareness Week (NIPAW), an annual media-based, community-level program that takes place the third week in March. NIPAW is designed to increase understanding about the use and risks of inhalant involvement. It is an inclusive program that involves youth, schools, media, police departments, health organization, civic groups and more. It has proven to be an effective means of mobilizing communities to reduce inhalant use. Almost 2,000 organizations and individuals from 46 states participated in the last NIPAW campaign.
National Alcohol Awareness Month
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) is the official sponsor of the Annual Alcohol Awareness Month. Designed to raise public awareness about the use of alcohol and how it may be affecting individuals, families, and businesses. Encourages local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. Alcohol Awareness Month began as a way of reaching the American public with information about the disease of alcoholism-that it is a treatable disease, not a moral weakness, and that alcoholics are capable of recovery. It occurs in the month of April.
National Night Out
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Dedicated to the development and promotion of organized, law enforcement-affiliated crime and drug prevention programs. Parents are encouraged to come out and meet with surrounding neighbors in collaboration for a safe drug free environment. If you would like to receive more information on National Night Out please go to https://natw.org.
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month
September is Recovery Month that promotes the societal benefits of treatment for substance use and mental disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). CSAT, created in October 1992 by a Congressional mandate, provides national leadership in the Federal government's effort to improve the lives of individuals and their families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. CSAT works to improve access to clinically sound, cost-effective addiction treatment to reduce the health and social cost to our communities and the Nation. Such factors as inadequate capacity, limited public and private health insurance benefits, and stigma have contributed to the gap between the number of people who need treatment and the number who receive it.
Drug Prevention Month
Each October, Houstonians unite to observe Drug Prevention Month, a month long public awareness campaign. Drug Prevention Month educates the public about substance abuse; encourages citizens to take an active role in preventing and reporting illegal drug activity. We mobilize the entire community to prevent first time use of drugs, and to encourage the community at large to get involved in the effort to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.
Memorial Enrique Camerena Red Ribbon Campaign
National Red Ribbon Week serves as a tribute to Special Agent Camarena, who in 1985 was kidnapped and brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA. This tradition is stronger than ever today, as an increasing number of Americans are saying "yes" to a drug-free life.
Community Stars Luncheon
Each year Houston Crackdown and partnering organizations The DEA, and Clear Channel Outdoor Communications recognizes community agencies, organizations and individuals for their outstanding efforts to reduce the demand and consumption of illegal drugs throughout our community. Community Stars winners will be recognized at a ceremonial luncheon held in their honor, with recognition from the city of Houston, and a billboard display located in the approximate area of their office location.
Get Smart About Antibiotics Week
Get Smart About Antibiotics Week has been an annual effort to coordinate the work of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about getting smart and knowing when and how antibiotics work. The campaign is a one-week observance recognizing the dangers of antibiotic resistance and the importance of appropriate antibiotic use. This takes place each November.