What is Red Ribbon Week?

Red Ribbon Week, observed October 23 - 31, begins the year-long initiative of prevention and education about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. During this week, students all over the country pledge to live drug and alcohol free. Red Ribbon Week is the most far-reaching and well-known drug prevention event in America with over 80 million people participating in Red Ribbon events.

The first Red Ribbon Celebration was held in 1985 by an organization of parents concerned about the destruction caused by alcohol and drug abuse. The red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of the movement in honor of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, an agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration who was kidnapped and killed while investigating drug traffickers.