Red Ribbon is an annual observation in October in the United States for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention and awareness. It got started after DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in 1985. His four years of undercover work in Guadalajara, Mexico led him to a tip that resulted in the discovery of a Chihuahua narcotics manufacturing operation worth millions of dollars.
After Camarena and his pilot Captain Alfredo Zavala-Avelar were found murdered, residents of Calexico, Camarena's hometown, wore red ribbons in his honor. The red ribbon became a prevention symbol for decreasing illegal drug demand. The National Family Partnership (NFP), in conjunction with first lady Nancy Reagan and the U.S. Congress, organized the first National Red Ribbon Week in 1988.
Currently Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the United States. It provides a channel for individuals and communities alike to participate in drug education, prevention and to establish a personal goal to live a healthy, drug-free life. The campaign is particularly beneficial for students. Schools all over the country offer resources, challenges, and rallies during Red Ribbon Week. Many businesses also provide incentives, such as free gifts and discounts, for students who commit to a drug-free life and wear red ribbons in public.
Typically Red Ribbon Week takes place the last full week of October with celebrations on the weekends before and after it. The exact start and end dates vary slightly, depending on the specific organization and location. The 2014 Red Ribbon theme is “Love Yourself. Be Drug Free,” from seventh grader Alexa Dougherty who believes that if you're choosing not to take drugs, you love yourself because you're not hurting yourself. Visit RedRibbon.org for the latest details about Red Ribbon events in your area.
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