October 20, 2021
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.
The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week with the message to choose a healthy lifestyle.
This year’s theme is “Drug Free Looks Like Me”!
Red Ribbon Week is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.
To help promote Red Ribbon Week, the community is urged to display red ribbons on your mailboxes or outside doors and to support “Wear Red Day”, October 26 or another more convenient day. Be sure to snap a picture of your group and post it to your facebook page to raise awareness and please tag DeKalb Prevention Coalition and also use #RedRibbon, #DEARedRibbon) If you have an outside sign, post this year’s theme on it for the week. The DeKalb Prevention Coalition will supply the Schools with red ribbons for the mailbox and prizes for the in school activities.
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.