The Red Ribbon Campaign runs from October 23 – 31st this year. It was orginated when Federal Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camerana was murdered by drug traffickers in 1985. During an investigation he was dangerously close to unlocking a multi-billion dollar drug pipeline which he suspected extended in the highest echlelons of the Mexican army, police and government. The red ribbon became a symbol to eliminate the demand for drugs and the Red Ribbon Campaign became the catalyst to show our intolerance for drugs inour schools, work place and communities. In 1988 the first Red Ribbon Week was proclaimed by Congress and each year the 8 day celebration has grown stronger in creating awareness of the impact of drug use.
So what can you do for Red Ribbon Week?
As parents and community members there are several things that you can do for Red Ribbon Week to increase the awareness of the need for drug and alcohol prevention programs in our community.
Wear a red ribbon during the week of Red Ribbon to demonstrate your support.
Talk to your child/children/youth in our community about the dangers of drugs.
Ask your school to sponsor a drug prevention program.
Encourage youth groups/scout groups/church groups to take advantage of the free programs that are available from our prevention to educate youth.