Awareness/Event promotions Articles

What is Red Ribbon Week?

Red Ribbon Week is the nation's largest and oldest anti-drug campaign. The last week of October marks this annual drug prevention program and the pledge to live a drug-free life. About 80 million Americans participate in Red Ribbon Week events each year, unifying communities to stand together against drugs and raise awareness about their consequences. This year's Red Ribbon Week falls on October 22-30.

Where Does the Red Ribbon Come from?

In short, the red ribbon symbolizes support for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and remembrance of Enrique Camarena, an undercover agent who gave his life in the fight against drugs. Enrique, or "Kiki," was a police officer working for the DEA when he was sent to go undercover in Mexico. His task was to investigate a major drug group - the country's largest marijuana and cocaine traffickers - that the DEA believed to involve officers of the Mexican army, government and police force. The 37-year-old Camarena was kidnapped on February 7, 1985 and found dead in a shallow grave one month later.

By March of 1985, only weeks after his death, Camarena Clubs were launched, and hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives in honor of his and others' sacrifices. The members wore red, satin badges (ribbons) to symbolize his memory and sparked the Red Ribbon Week initiative. The first Red Ribbon Week campaign was held in La Mirada and Norwalk, California, and it was first recognized nationally in 1988 with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons.

Red Ribbon Week is still nationally recognized and celebrated today to preserve Camarena's memory and promote the cause he gave his life for. The DEA's war on drugs focuses on reducing the demand for drugs through prevention and education programs.

How Can I Participate?

Participating in Red Ribbon Week can be as simple as wearing a red ribbon of your own to show your support for the cause. In addition, many schools, businesses, faith communities and families choose to take it a step further. Some distribute red ribbons or Red Ribbon Week logo products to customers, sponsor essay and poster contests, hold parades, organize drug-free races, or decorate buildings in red to publicize the value of living drug-free. Help raise awareness about the consequences of drug-use by demonstrating your organization's opposition to it. People of all ages can do their part and participate in Red Ribbon Week. Show your support by joining America's war on drugs and raising awareness for Red Ribbon Week.