Red Ribbon Week Teaches the Importance of Living Drug Free

The Red Ribbon Campaign, the U.S.’s oldest and largest drug prevention program, is holding its annual Red Ribbon Week beginning October 23.  Red ribbon has been a symbol for drug prevention since the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena during a drug operation in Mexico in 1985. Red Ribbon Week occurs each year and is dedicated to promoting awareness about drugs. Schools across America participate in red ribbon week and teach their students about drug prevention.

This year, red ribbon week is from October 23-31, 2020. The theme this year is “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.”, which was submitted by Tricia Nelson, an elementary school teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Nelson, said of red ribbon week, “I love how the campaign starts a difficult conversation between students and teachers. I hope that when faced with tough decisions, students look back, remember Red Ribbon Week and make healthy choices.”

The National Family Partnership, an organization that promotes drug prevention, education, and advocacy, runs the Red Ribbon Week campaign and the Lock Your Meds campaign. In a press release from October 21, 2020, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) declared Saturday October 24, 2020 as the  19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This day, endorsed by Miss America, encourages people to properly dispose of any unused or extra prescription drugs they have.

DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea said in the release, “The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) encouraged members and partners through social media to join in the events by wearing red ribbons, participating in community antidrug events, and pledging to live drug-free lives.

Anyone can get involved in Red Ribbon events through the Red Ribbon toolkit.