BUCKHANNON – The Upshur County Commission recently proclaimed the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Oct. 23-27 as Red Ribbon Week throughout Upshur County.

Below are the proclamations in full:

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Whereas family is the foundation of a safe and healthy community. It is the goal of this community for our families to be safe; and

Whereas the problem with domestic violence is not confined to any group, but across all economic, racial, gender, educational, religious and societal barriers; and

Whereas domestic violence is widespread and is devastating to society as a whole; and

Whereas victims and survivors of domestic violence should have the support in their community to find the compassion, comfort and healing they need, and the abuser should be punished to the full extent of the law; and

Whereas between October 2022 to the end of September 2023, over 150 households in Upshur County received services from Centers Against Violence; and

Therefore, be it declared that Upshur County, along with Centers Against Violence, urges community members to take this opportunity to educate themselves about the impact of domestic violence and become familiar with resources training programs available; so let us remember the victims and survivors of this community and work together to end domestic violence.

Red Ribbon Week Proclamation

Whereas recovery and abstinence from alcohol and other drug use is emphasized in West Virginia, it is imperative that visible unified prevention education efforts by community members be continued to eliminate the effects of drugs and their use; and

Whereas the national referendum campaign is offering citizens the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to healthy lifestyles, including no drug use, and we’ll be celebrating such during National Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23 through 27; and

Whereas Upshur County further commits its resources to ensure the success of the Red Ribbon Campaign;

Now therefore it be resolved the Upshur County Commission does hereby proclaim Oct. 23 through 27 as Red Ribbon Week and encourages its citizens to participate in drug prevention education activities, making a visible statement that we are strongly committed to a healthy drug-free state.