By Quinn O’Hara

The Clay Counts Coalition, Grow Clay County, the Clay County Health Department, and the Clay Center Police Department have partnered together to create Red Balloon Day.

On May 1, all three organizations will hold several programs at the Clay County Health Department to raise awareness about drug endangered kids, collect items to help kids going into foster care, and take back unused drugs from the community.

The first event will be Grow Clay County’s May Wake Up Wednesday. Community Mobilizer Lori Martin said she and Clay County Health Administrator Dana Rickley will give a presentation starting at 8:30am on drug endangered children.

The Clay Counts Coalition will also be accepting monetary and item donations for their Red Backpack Challenge, which Martin said will provide children going into foster care with valuable resources.

The Clay County Health Department will accept surrendered prescription drugs from 9am to noon, said Martin.

The National Alliance for Drug Endangered Children defines a drug endangered child as at risk of suffering physical or emotional harm as a result of legal and/or illegal drug use, possession, manufacturing, cultivation, or distribution. They may also be children whose caretaker’s substance misuse interferes with the caretaker’s ability to parent and provide a safe and nurturing environment.

The Clay Counts Coalition said they encourage community members to unite with them and their partners this May Day in support of the community’s youth.