Red Ribbon Week set for Oct. 23–31

October 21, 2021 at 4:06 pm Updated: October 26th, 2021 at 6:22 am Derrick Stuckly

Column by Courtney Parrott, Brown County Agrilife Extension Agent

Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing various communities, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC program will partner with Brown County AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Agent, Courtney Parrott to increase the safety in their community and on Texas roads.

“Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Parrott. “The campaign brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for ways to keep kids and communities’ drug free.”

In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 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 (NFP) 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 for reducing the demand for illicit drugs in communities across the U.S.

“Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said [AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Agent, Courtney Parrott. “Reducing the use of drugs and alcohol among youth will help to reduce injuries and deaths from impaired driving. 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.”

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For more information, contact: Jeffrey Pearce, AgriLife Extension, Watch UR BAC program, by phone: 979-321-5333; or email: [email protected]. Or visit the website: https://www.redribbon.org/.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC program is a free, statewide program to promote alcohol awareness, the dangers of impaired driving, and friends watching out for friends