Red Ribbon Week: October 23-31
The Origins of Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is the week of recognition and advocacy for the fight against drugs and addiction. It began in 1985, started after the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Special Agent Camarena was brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers during an investigation in Mexico. This event and the start of Red Ribbon Week escalated as it got national recognition, and in 1988 the National Family Partnership (NFP) coordinate the official first National Red Ribbon Week. President Reagan and Nancy Reagan became national chairpersons for the campaign and the NFP continues to coordinate the program each year.
As Orange County’s resource and facility for rehabilitation and detox from drugs and alcohol, Fresh Start of California is a supportive and active participant in Red Ribbon Week. We are here to help addicts and their families fight against the drugs and alcohol that control their lives.
Contact the rehabilitation specialists at Fresh Start of California to start your path to recovery today.
The Nation’s Oldest Drug Awareness Program
As the longest-lasting and most wide-spread drug awareness program, Red Ribbon Week unites children and adults in a visible stand against drug use. The mission is to keep children drug-free, first and foremost, as well as profess a commitment to abstain from drug use.
Each year a contest is held to determine the upcoming year’s Red Ribbon Week theme. The 2020 theme for Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd-31st, is “Be happy. Be brave. Be drug-free.” This year’s theme was created by Tricia Nelson, of Locust Corner Elementary School in Cincinnati. Her theme embodies the idea of living a drug-free life that is happy, exciting, and fulfilling. Although this year’s event will be primarily virtual, wearing a red ribbon is still impactful.
Wearing a red ribbon represents the pledge to live drug-free and honors the sacrifice of those who lost their lives fighting against drugs and drug use. The National Family Partnership, as the backbone of Red Ribbon Week, promotes awareness, acts as advocates, and provides resources to those in need.
Join the Fight Against Drug Use
At Fresh Start of California, we instill hope in our patients and strive to help addicts get excited about life in sobriety. Our team of detox and rehabilitation professionals and support staff understand the struggles that coincide with addiction as well as the issues that create the need for drug use. We are here to help you get to the root of where the addiction started and can work with you to build a new foundation of sobriety.
For inbox or outpatient detox and rehabilitation options in Orange County, contact Fresh Start of California today. We are here for you.