Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-31

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. 'Red Ribbon' ribbons

Red Ribbon Week started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was brutally murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico.

After his death, people started wearing red ribbons to honor Kiki’s sacrifice. Today, millions of people celebrate Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, participating in community anti-drug events, and pledging to live drug-free lives. The first National Red Ribbon Week 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.

In many communities the celebration has turned into a variety of activities implemented throughout the month of October. These activities are meant to demonstrate the importance of making healthy and smart decisions throughout life so that your dreams and goals can be achieved.

Take the Red Ribbon Pledge below:

“I pledge to stay in school and learn the things that I need to know.”

“I pledge to make the world a better place for kids like me to grow.”

“I pledge to keep my dreams alive and be all that I can be.”

“I pledge to help others and to keep myself drug free.”