Red Ribbon Campaign Set Oct. 23-31

Each year from Oct. 23 to 31 the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration promotes drug prevention among millions of young people across the United States. The campaign has become the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the country.

The theme for this year's celebration is "Drug Free Is the Key."

Sponsored by the National Family Partnership and affiliates throughout the U.S., the Red Ribbon campaign's aim is to "present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a drug-free America."

The campaign began after the murder in 1985 of DEA agent Kiki Camarena by drug traffickers in Mexico City. Camarena believed that one person could make a difference in the fight against drug abuse.

The partnership helps communities "come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign."

During Red Ribbon Week, the National Family Partnership urges parents to lock your meds to prevent prescription drug abuse by chldren.

More About Drug Abuse:

• Commonly Abused Drugs
  
• What Is Substance Abuse?
  
• Frequently Asked Questions

^{Photo: National Family Partnership}