Red Ribbon Week Against Drugs
National Celebration of Anti-Drug Initiative Supported by Millions
Oct 26, 2009
National Red Ribbon Week is celebrated each October, from October 23rd through October 31st. It is an annual campaign organized as a grass roots effort by community citizens - individuals and families - who have had enough of the scourge of drugs that has devastated families and communities.
Enrique “Kiki” Camarena
Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who worked undercover in Mexico investigating a drug cartel that was believed to include officers from the Mexican army, police and government officials. His investigation led to the discovery of a multi-million dollar narcotic manufacturing operation in Chihahua, Mexico. The cartel sought revenge and on February 7, 1985, Special Agent Enrique Carmarena and his pilot captain Zavala-Avelar were murdered.
People started to get involved immediately and launched "Camarena Clubs" in California high schools, and in 1986 club members presented a proclamation to Nancy Reagan. In 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons. Community groups responded overwhelmingly because of the way that drug abuse was destroying families and neighborhoods. At one point, the National Family Partnership said that up to 80 million people a year joined in the national campaign. In an effort to honor these men, individuals wore red ribbons, which were the symbol for prevention and reduction of drug sales. It is one of the first times that ribbons were used to support a cause - in this case it was for the fight against drugs. Since that time, the Red Ribbon Campaign has grown throughout America in thousands of schools and communities, and has reached out to millions of youth throughout the United States with a firm and consistent message against drug abuse.
National Red Ribbon Week
The U.S. Congress proclaimed the first National Red Ribbon Week in October 1988. A resolution was introduced by Senator Murkowski, and co-introduced by Senators Grassley, Biden, Talent, Dole, Stevens, Dominici, and Chambliss. In introducing the resolution, Senator Murkowski stated that “the purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to educate and advocate a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. Red Ribbon Week also remembers the contribution of one soldier in the war against drugs, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.”
Since then, the Red Ribbon is worn each October to bring awareness to alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention, and each year organizations across America join in as co-sponsors of the campaign. For instance, S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions), a peer-to-peer education, prevention, and activism organization dedicated to preventing destructive decisions - particularly underage drinking and drug use among teens, identifies and supports the objectives of the Red Ribbon Campaign to present a visible commitment to a safe, healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
Raising Drug Free Kids
Red Ribbon Week is an ideal time for parents to join in the effort by talking about the dangers of drinking, smoking, and drug use. The three primary causes of death for teens and young adults are homicide, suicide and accident fatalities, and alcohol and drugs are the primary causative factors in each category of death. Parents can effectively intervene by talking with their children and teaching them the basics about drug use and abuse.
- Many families have a "no-use pledge" for alcohol, tobacco and drugs, where parents will sign with their children rather than just expecting that their children to sign the pledge by themselves.
- Parents should use this opportunity to spend more time with their families, and engage in more family-friendly activities.
- Parents should use this opportunity to review family dynamics to reduce the risk factors in their family - especially risk factors that may encourage drinking or drug use.
- Parents should use this as an opportunity to examine their own drinking, smoking, or drug use behavior. The majority of youth who drink either have parents who drink or who believe that underage drinking is not a problem.
Millions celebrate National Red Ribbon Week. It truly is an event whereby all teens and parents can come together and join in the fight to keep America healthy and drug free.
See Also:
The Consumption of Alcohol is Not Recommended
Parent Guide for Alcohol and Drug Free Children
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