What is Red Ribbon Week?
Since 1988, the Red Ribbon Campaign serves as a commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America, and has helped communities educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
Did you know?
Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, but only a quarter of teens report having these conversations. In Arizona, only 17.1% of teens reported ever having a conversation with their parent/caregiver about the dangers of fentanyl. Take Red Ribbon Week as an opportunity to get the conversation started and save a life!
In memory of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena
Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. In honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin.
Determined to end the destruction of drugs and alcohol, parents began forming coalitions. Using Camarena as their inspiration, they adopted the red ribbon symbol and embraced his belief that one person can make a difference.
In 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration to spread awareness and mobilize communities to educate youth. The campaign has already reached millions of U.S. children and families, and continues to deliver this message of hope to millions more every year.
