Red Ribbon Week is October 23 - 31

October is filled with many opportunities to promote healthy, drug-free living, including Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31).

As part of this important occasion, Red Ribbon week is used to emphasize the significance of students, educators and communities working together to prevent substance abuse.

The Red Ribbon Celebration was originally established as a national drug awareness campaign in 1988, after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. The Celebration was created to take a collective stand against underage use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. The Red Ribbon Celebration is promoted to reach all audiences, but is particularly targeted toward elementary and middle school students to encourage them to make a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

Drug Free Action Alliance (DFAA) encourages schools and organizations to use this week as a springboard to other prevention observances throughout the year. Drug Free 24/7 is a program designed by DFAA to help communities galvanize their efforts into a consistent, year-long message. Check out how Drug Free 24/7 can be the tool to tie all of the important things you do in your community into an exciting and easily recognizable campaign.  Download the toolkit to get ideas for your Red Ribbon Week events or visit www.DrugFreeActionAlliance.org.