The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking and Drugs (SCCUDD) invites the community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31. Community members can take part in Red Ribbon Week by sharing drug prevention messaging on social media, by wearing red on October 29, or by using the week as an opportunity to talk to children and teens about the dangers of drug use.
Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles. Additionally, research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs.
In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.