RED RIBBON WEEK, is celebrated annually October 23-31, it is
the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program.
Red Ribbon Week was started after the death of Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was
brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in
Mexico. As a tribute to SA Camarena, high school friend, Henry Lozano and
Congressman Duncan Hunter, created “Camarena Clubs” and the wearing of a red
ribbon to show their oppositions to drugs.
In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the
first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as
honorary Chairpersons. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has taken on
national significance, and NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for
families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Wearing red
ribbons during the month of October continues to represent our pledge to live
drug free and honors the sacrifice of all who have lost their lives in the
fight against drugs.
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week in Livingston County with your
children and help raise awareness of living a drug free life. Take the
opportunity to talk to your kids about drugs.
“Research shows that children are less likely to use drugs
when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition
to substance use and abuse,” stated Sheriff Dougherty. “Red Ribbon Week gives
us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a
drug-free community.”
