Red ribbon week is a week in October, from the 23rd to the 31st, where people will wear or show a red ribbon. Wearing the red ribbon highlights the importance of living a drug free life. It gives an opportunity to parents, teachers, guardians, etc. to teach children about the destructive and dangerous effects of drug-use. 

Red Ribbon Week was established in 1985 in memory of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who tragically lost his life while trying to fight against drug trafficking in Mexico. This week encourages people in communities to unite and fight against substance abuse. This week also shows the importance of discussing the dangers of drug abuse, rather than trying to avoid topics about drugs. Discussing the dangers of drugs with children will help them to make good decisions if they are ever faced with the opportunity to use a drug.

This week will not only help educate children about drug use, but will also empower them to want to live a healthy, drug-free life. All in all Red Ribbon Week plays a critical role in communities, by shaping a drug-free culture for our children to live in. It also unites people together in the fight against drug use, and teaches children about how dangerous drugs can actually be.