Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide event that brings awareness to drug prevention and encourages a drug free lifestyle. It happens every year in late October, and it’s one of the largest drug prevention campaigns in the United States. It started with the death of U.S. DEA agent Enrique Camarena.
This week is so important because it continues to be recognized in many schools and communities. In the Woodlands High School next week the school is holding dress up days to bring awareness to drug prevention:
Monday wear red to be proud to be drug free
Tuesday wear your favorite jersey or sports team to team up against drugs
Wednesday wear animal print to get wild about being drug free
Thursday wear neon and sunglasses to show that the future is bright with no drugs in sight
Friday wear Halloween costumes or attire to say boo to drugs
In 1985, Camarena was working as an undercover agent in Mexico, trying to bust one of the biggest drug cartels, according to the DEA website. He was kidnapped, held hostage, tortured, and then murdered by the drug cartel he was investigating. Camarena had worked with the DEA for 11 years and had earned many awards, including the Administrators award of honor, the highest award granted by the DEA. His death is emblematic of the dangers law enforcement officers face while trying to bring an end to drug related crimes.
After his death, his family, friends, and colleagues wanted to honor his memory by taking a stand against drugs, according to the DEA website. Shortly after his death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Camarena’s high school friend, Henry Lozano, created clubs in Camarena’s home town of Calexico, California. Hundreds of club members wore red ribbons and pledged to a drug-free life in honor of Camarena’s death.
Red Ribbon Week quickly became popular. People all around the United States began to participate. Schools began organizing events: wearing red ribbons, holding contests, and having people come out to speak out about the danger of drugs. Red Ribbon Week has become more than the remembrance of Camarena, but also awareness that drugs hurt people, families, and our communities.
What started as a tribute to a fallen hero is now a nationwide movement. By continuing to bring awareness to drug-related deaths, we continue the fight against drug abuse.
