October 25, 2020
By: Dwayne Page
The DeKalb Prevention Coalition invites the community to take a visible stand against drug abuse by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31.
Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
This year’s theme is “Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free!
(Click the link below to take the National Red Ribbon Campaign Pledge and be a part of the creation of a drug free America)
The campaign is intended to bring together parents, schools, and businesses with a mission to keep kids and communities drug free.
To help promote Red Ribbon Week, the community is urged to display red ribbons on your mailboxes or outside doors and to support two “Wear Red Days “ this week, October 27 & 29. If you have an outside sign, please post this year’s theme on it for the week.
In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.
The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.
“Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said Lisa Cripps of the DeKalb Prevention Coalition “Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs.” Visit GetSmartAboutDrugs.com for more information about Red Ribbon Week or visit the DeKalb Prevention Coalition facebook page.