No Use of Illegal Drugs, No Illegal Use of Legal Drugs

In the month of October we celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon week is traditionally celebrated the last full week of October. This celebration started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. Camarena had gone undercover in Mexico. In this time he led to the discovery of a multimillion dollar narcotics manufacturing operation. After this narcotics operation among others was taken down, Agent Camarena was kidnapped, never to be seen alive again. When Camarena was found and his hometown learned of his fate, they wore red ribbons in his honor. This became their symbol to help prevent the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. Local schools created clubs in his honor. This grew and grew until in 1988 the first National Red Ribbon Week was proclaimed by the U.S. Congress.

National Red Ribbon Week is now a time to bring people together to raise awareness about drugs and alcohol. It’s a time that we recognize the need for alcohol and drug prevention services, along with early intervention and treatment services. The Red Ribbon Coalition sees this week as a time to kick off the year of prevention in the school and community. Throughout this week there will be opportunities for teachers, students, and parents to engage in activities to help raise awareness of alcohol and drug related issues. Each day there will be a theme at the schools for students to follow to show their support throughout Red Ribbon Week. Some of these themes include “Wear Red Day”, “Team up Against Drugs”, Jersey Day, and “Say Boo to Drugs”-Costume Day.

The Red Ribbon Coalition offers this Red Ribbon Pledge “No Use of Illegal Drugs, No Illegal Use of Legal Drugs.”

For information contact the St. Regis Mohawk Health Services Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Prevention Program at 358-2967.

Helping Build A Better Tomorrow