Raise the roof for Red Ribbon Week

  • Published
  • By By Jamel Gilbert
  • Peterson-Schriever Garrison

Red ribbon week is celebrated annually October 23-31 and  is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. 

Red Ribbon Week started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico.  As a tribute to Camarena, high school friend, Henry Lozano and Congressman Duncan Hunter, created “Camarena Clubs” and the wearing of a red ribbon to show their oppositions to drugs. 

In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President Ronald Reagan and his wife serving as honorary chairpersons.  Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has taken on national significance, and National Family Partnership continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year.  Wearing red ribbons during the month of October continues to represent our pledge to live drug free and honors the sacrifice of all who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs.

Celebrate Red Ribbon Week in your community or your child’s school, and raise awareness of living a drug free life. Take the opportunity to talk to your kids about drugs.