Red Ribbon Week is a substance abuse and violence prevention-awareness campaign that began as a tribute to fallen DEA Special Agent Enrique Camerena. Red Ribbon Week is in full swing all over the country October 23-31. It is an opportunity to show your support for a drug free America – and to talk to your children about making healthy choices. Each year the National Family Partnership (NFP) offers materials and education to schools, families, churches, and community members to help keep youth drug free. This year’s theme is “Send A Message. Stay Drug Free.” It is a perfect way for people to come together and give a visible stand against drugs.

In Atchison County our communities work together to teach our children about living drug free lives through the D.A.R.E. program, schools, and Atchison County Extension 4-H School Enrichment. It is important to have frequent conversations with your children about different drugs and unhealthy choices and to let them know that you are there for them to ask questions and to support them in their healthy choices.

The History of Red Ribbon Week

On February 7, 1985, 37-year-old Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. That day five men appeared at the agent’s side and shoved him into a car. In response to his murder, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing, and the destruction caused by drugs in America.

In 1988, the National Family Partnership sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the red ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.