We’ve all heard of it, so what is it? Red Ribbon Week is the Nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program that reaches millions of Americans during the last week of October each year.
LRADAC celebrates this national observance by supplying resource packets and stickers to schools in Lexington and Richland school districts and facilitating prevention-focused puppet shows to elementary children and a Healthy Choices presentation to middle and high school students. This year, LRADAC’s Community Services Department has provided resources for 36 schools and are presenting to students and parents at 13 schools.
Prevention Specialists at LRADAC offer these presentations and other prevention services at no cost all year long in the Lexington and Richland area. If you are interested in learning more or booking a prevention presentation for your school, church or organization, call (803) 726-9366.
HISTORY OF RED RIBBON WEEK:
- In 1985, DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena died during an effort to prevent drug trafficking between Mexico and the United States. Shortly after Kiki’s death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Kiki’s high school friend Henry Lozano launched “Camarena Clubs” in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifice made by Kiki Camarena.
- These pledges were delivered to First Lady Nancy Reagan at a national conference of parents combating youth drug use. Several organizations then called on community groups to wear red ribbons during the last week of October as a symbol of their drug-free commitment.
- The first Red Ribbon Week celebrations were held in La Mirada and Norwalk, California.
- In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week, with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons.
More facts about Red Ribbon Week can be found here: https://www.dea.gov/redribbon/Toolkit_Page/Red-Ribbon-Fact-Sheet.pdf
