The National Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31 each year.

 

In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, 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 destruction cause by drugs in America. In 1988, NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration.

 

By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free lifestyle and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The purpose of Red Ribbon Week is to present a visible commitment to living a safe, healthy, and drug-free life. The campaign is designed to create awareness concerning the problems related to the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs and to support the decision to live a drug-free lifestyle.

 

For more details, go to the Red Ribbon Website and read the Red Ribbon Fact Sheet.