CoveCare Center Inspires Families to ‘Film Drug Free’
During 2024 Red Ribbon Week
Families across Putnam County came together to “Film Drug Free” during CoveCare Center’s 4th Annual InspiRED events, held as part of the 2024 Red Ribbon Week. This year’s theme encouraged families to create moments of connection and creativity while raising awareness about drug prevention.
Red Ribbon Week, a national prevention campaign, empowers youth to make healthy choices and resist substance use. From October 21-24, CoveCare Center invited students in 5th grade and above, along with their parents or caring adults, to join InspiRED, a free event focused on strengthening family bonds and fostering positive choices. Led by Jillian Kulka and CoveCare’s Prevention Education Department, InspiRED took place at four different venues across Putnam County, each selected to ensure accessibility and involvement throughout the community.
“At CoveCare, we believe that creative and engaging family activities can have a profound impact on fostering strong parent-teen relationships,” said Kulka. “Through InspiRED, we’re able to promote healthy activities and underscore the role parents play in reinforcing drug-free choices.”
The week kicked off at the Garrison Art Center, where artist Candace Winter guided families in creating mandalas on upcycled DVDs. “Making mandalas with a dotting technique is not only creative but meditative,” said Winter. “This is something families can continue at home with everyday items to create calming, beautiful art.” Reflecting on the experience, one parent, Shanna Russell, shared, “It was a wonderful time with my girls. We had a moment to just relax and enjoy painting together.” Her daughter MaKaylin enthusiastically added, “If there were stars or ratings, I’d give it 1000 out of 5!”
The following three nights, artist Sarah Miller Totten led outdoor-inspired activities across other venues. Inspired by the Red Ribbon Week theme, Totten encouraged families to unplug from screens and engage with nature. “When I thought of ‘Film Drug Free,’ I kept coming back to the importance of reducing screen time and enjoying the outdoors,” she explained.
Each night offered a new setting: at Putnam Arts Council, families gathered around a campfire; at Arts on the Lake, they gazed at the stars; and at Brewster Public Library, they stopped to appreciate the beauty of flowers. While painting at the library, one young participant, Sebastian Mendoza, happily exclaimed, “This is getting fun, Mama! Thank you for bringing us!”
CoveCare’s Prevention Education team works year-round to empower young people with the skills to make healthy choices and avoid substance misuse. “Our impact is even stronger when parents reinforce drug-free messages,” Kulka noted. “InspiRED is an opportunity to highlight this role and provide a free, positive way for families to connect.”
