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Red Ribbon Week encourages communities and individuals to take a stand for the well-being of our children through drug prevention and education. Children are encouraged to commit to drug-free lives.

This week commemorates the sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs.. The Red Ribbon Campaign then became a symbol of support for the DEA’s efforts to reduce drugs in America.

Today’s youth are exposed to mature situations at a much earlier than in the past. It is so important that parents and community members stress the importance of making healthy decisions at a young age.

One of the most important decisions should be living a drug-free life. Our youth have so much potential. We want to help them succeed from the very beginning. Education is the key to keeping a healthy youth.

What better place to receive this education then at school. School is like a second home for children. Other than their home, they spend a majority of time in the classroom. Teachers can be great mentors and influences on children’s behavior.

One way to get children engaged is by having them participate in fun activities. Many elementary schools around the country participate in Red Ribbon Week.

Here are a few activities that you and your students can do:

  1. Have themed dress up days encouraging children to stay off drugs (ex. “Sock it to drugs”- crazy sock day)
  2. Have a balloon launch- the kids sign a pledge on a red balloon and release them
  3. Invite older students to speak to the younger ones
  4. Host an assembly
  5. Door decorating
  6. Decorating posters for the children to place in the community

It is vital that we as a community keep our youth safe. Throughout this week and in the future remember that you are a role model to these youth. Join in on the Red Ribbon Week activities that take place in your community. Keeping the world a drug free place is an ongoing battle and we need your support.

For more information on Red Ribbon Week, visit redribbon.org