The Alliance for Safe Kids invites the community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31, 2021.
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.
ASK volunteers tied red ribbons throughout Yorktown to share awareness of this annual campaign and to show support to the schools that have a variety of Red Ribbon Week activities planned for their students.
“Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Liz Talbert, Executive Director. “The campaign brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for innovative ways to keep our children and community drug-free.”
The red ribbon symbolizes a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities. In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly
after Camarena’s death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. Congress established Red Ribbon Week in 1988.
“Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said Talbert. “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 substance use and abuse.”
