Advocates across the country took a visible stand against drug abuse by celebrating Red Ribbon Week during the week of Oct. 23-31. For community coalitions, this national campaign provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and to encourage youth to lead a drug-free lifestyle. This year´s national Red Ribbon Week campaign is encouraging communities to address prescription drug abuse in their Red Ribbon Week events.

National Red Ribbon Week was sparked by the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique Kiki Camarena, who was abducted, tortured and brutally murdered by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1985. Communities across the country and the nation then began a tradition of displaying red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. Now, Red Ribbon Week events are held in cities across the country to provide a platform to deliver the anti-drug message.

There were a number of activities that coalitions did and still do in their communities, such as:

• Hosting Red Ribbon speakers and events
• Planting red tulip flower bulbs with youth and families
• Distributing Red Ribbon handouts in the community
• Supporting Red Ribbon activities at local schools
• Promoting Red Ribbon Week in group publications

Schools and educators in the community can also participate by hosting a “wear red” day or week, holding a poster or essay writing contest and asking students and others to sign an anti-drug pledge. Visit www.nfp.org for more information on Red Ribbon Week and to download a Red Ribbon Week Planning Guide.