This Fourth of July, as we celebrate the birth of a nation built on liberty and hope, let us also honor the responsibility that comes with that freedom: to protect our families, our communities, and our future.

In 2020, the United States Postal Service along with the Drug Enforcement Administration issued the Drug Free USA Forever Stamp—a small symbol with a powerful message. Its bold red, white, and blue star reminded Americans that staying drug-free is not just a personal choice—it’s a patriotic one.

The Drug Free USA Forever Stamp (Scott #5542) was issued by USPS on October 27, 2020, during Red Ribbon Week—a nationwide campaign to promote drug prevention museum.dea.gov+11about.usps.com+11about.usps.com+11.

A Nation’s Strength Starts at Home

This Independence Day, let’s carry that message forward:

•  Choose health over harm.
•  Support loved ones with compassion and courage.
• Create safe, supportive spaces for our youth.

By committing to a drug-free life, we preserve the promise of freedom for the next generation. We show that patriotism is more than waving a flag—it’s standing up for what keeps our nation strong.

This Fourth of July, light a firework, raise a flag, and make a pledge:

Sign the Red Ribbon Pledge

To live free. To live strong. To live drug-free.

Like the stamp says - this message lasts forever.

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This Fourth of July let’s celebrate freedom not only with fireworks, but with actions that strengthen our families, our neighborhoods, and our nation’s future. As we gather under the red, white, and blue, let’s recommit ourselves to three simple pillars of true American spirit: Civic Pride in Action, Family & Community Bonds and Building a Drug-Free Tomorrow.

1. Civic Pride in Action:

• Volunteer Together: Support the Informed Families campaign, visit our resource table at local events and earn community service hours supporting out staff at events. Every hour you give back is an investment in the community that built us all.
• Stay Informed & Engaged: Take a few minutes to learn about Informed Families by joining our four prevention campaigns, sign up to receive our Newsletter, and follow us on social media. Knowledge is the first step to real change.
   
  • Instagram 
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

2. Family & Community Bonds

• Gather & Share Stories: Invite parents, grandparents, friends or local heroes to tell their stories of service and sacrifice. Let children—and grown-ups see how each generation has lifted America forward.
• Host a “Patriot Picnic”: Ask family and friends to bring a dish that represents their heritage. Celebrate the diversity that makes our nation strong, while reinforcing the ties that bind us.

3. Building a Drug-Free Tomorrow

• Make a Family Pledge: On the eve of July 4th, sit together and pledge to support one another in making healthy, drug-free choices. Take a photo and share it on our social media channels.
• Community Resources: Partner with Informed Families to learn about our prevention campaigns and parent support groups. Knowledge saves lives.

Each year, the National Family Partnership proudly recognizes exceptional individuals and programs leading the fight against drug abuse through the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Red Ribbon Award. This prestigious honor commemorates the life and legacy of Kiki Camarena —a DEA agent who gave his life in service to protecting communities from the harms of drug use.

This year, we are proud to present the 2024 Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Red Ribbon Award to an outstanding leader whose decades-long commitment to prevention continues to shape and inspire.

 James “Jim” Conklin – Middleton, New York
2024 Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Red Ribbon Award Recipient

For over three decades, Jim Conklin has been a pillar of prevention in Orange County and beyond. As Executive Director of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council, he’s grown Red Ribbon Week into a county-wide movement involving schools, law enforcement, and local officials. Jim’s unwavering belief that “one person can make a difference” has driven a lifetime of leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment. As he prepares to pass the torch, Jim’s legacy continues to influence the future of prevention across New York State and beyond.

 

Honoring Four Outstanding Nominees

In addition to celebrating Jim Conklin, the National Family Partnership is proud to honor four remarkable individuals whose dedication, innovation, and passion are making lasting impacts in prevention and education.

Kathy Ross – Pedro, Ohio
Community Advocate & Leader

From personal struggle to powerful leadership, Kathy Ross has transformed her journey with addiction into a mission of hope. After overcoming her own opioid addiction and incarceration, she dedicated her life to prevention, recovery, and education in her community. She co-founded a successful drug court, launched impactful initiatives like Prom Promise and For Jenny’s Sake, and now leads a team of over 90 behavioral health professionals. Her efforts have saved lives, empowered youth, and brought vital resources to a region devastated by the opioid crisis.

 

Lt. Michael Reese – Anniston, Alabama
Law Enforcement & Prevention Leader

Lt. Michael Reese co-founded Operation Save Teens, a statewide, multimedia prevention program that has reached more than 200,000 students, parents, and educators across Alabama. Built on a foundation of faith and community engagement, the program combines real-life stories with essential drug education and support. Lt. Reese’s work has helped countless teens seek help, report drug activity, and make safer decisions—proving that prevention and law enforcement can be powerful partners in change.

 

Lupe Salcido – Lovington, New Mexico
Bilingual Educator & Advocate

A passionate bilingual educator, Lupe Salcido has reimagined Red Ribbon Week at her school by integrating substance use awareness into every subject area. Her collaborative approach engages the entire staff and ensures students from all backgrounds receive meaningful, age-appropriate prevention messaging. Outside the classroom, Lupe supports grieving families in her church and community, modeling compassion and commitment in everything she does.

 

Akshar Paduru – Chantilly, Virginia
Youth Leader & Peer Educator

High school junior Akshar Paduru is a rising star in youth-led prevention. Without being asked or assigned, he initiated substance use presentations, partnered with school leadership, and joined the Unified Mental Health Team to elevate student voices. His advocacy around fentanyl awareness and peer support has sparked important conversations and empowered fellow students to take action. Akshar is proof that leadership knows no age.

Celebrating Their Impact

Each of these individuals exemplifies the passion, integrity, and courage that define the spirit of the Kiki Camarena Red Ribbon Award. Whether rooted in recovery, education, enforcement, or youth activism, their efforts have strengthened communities and saved lives.

Let us continue to support, celebrate, and learn from those making a difference—today and every day.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

February 3rd, 2025 – Miami, FL – The National Family Partnership (NFP) is proud to announce the theme for the 2025 Red Ribbon Week: "Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.™" This inspiring theme, submitted by Cheryl Holsapfel, Digital Art Teacher, and Carter Weinmann from Solon Middle School, highlights how every choice we make fits into the bigger picture—just like a puzzle coming together. It serves as a reminder that a drug-free lifestyle helps build a stronger, brighter future, one piece at a time.

The annual Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest, sponsored by NFP, draws thousands of submissions from across the country, encouraging participants to create slogans that reflect the campaign’s mission. "Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.™" was chosen for its powerful message about making positive choices that contribute to a healthier, drug-free community.

Cheryl Holsapfel, a dedicated Digital Art Teacher at Solon Middle School, shared her excitement about incorporating the contest into her classroom: "I am so proud of Carter’s win! Integrating the Red Ribbon theme contest into our design lessons engages students in real-world applications. They create strong imagery, analyze their audience, and refine themes for clarity and creativity. The contest has become an essential part of our Digital Art curriculum, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see our students’ ideas come to life while making a positive impact in the community."

Carter Weinmann, this year’s student winner, expressed his enthusiasm: "I was really surprised and excited to win the Red Ribbon Contest! I took inspiration from past winners and can’t wait to see my theme used across the country."

About the Red Ribbon Campaign

The Red Ribbon Campaign began in 1985 following the tragic murder of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. NFP launched the initiative to raise awareness about the devastating impact of drug abuse in America. Today, Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug prevention campaign, encouraging communities to take a stand for healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

Peggy B. Sapp, President of NFP, emphasized the significance of the contest: "The Red Ribbon theme contest is one of the many ways NFP engages communities in the fight against drug abuse. Each year, we encourage students and educators to share their perspectives on drug-free living. This year’s theme reminds us that every decision matters and plays a role in shaping a positive future."

Get Involved & Submit Your Theme for 2026

Theme submissions for the 2026 Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest are accepted annually from January 1st to December 4th. Winners receive $500 in Red Ribbon Week-themed merchandise, generously provided by Nimco, Inc., the official supplier of Red Ribbon campaign materials.

Red Ribbon Week is observed nationwide from October 23rd–31st. Join us in making a difference by promoting a drug-free lifestyle.

To learn more about the contest and how to participate, visit www.RedRibbon.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
RedRibbon@NFP.org

CONTACT: Elizabeth Golshteyn | National Family Partnership 

P: 305-856-4886
E: EGolshteyn@InformedFamilies.Org 

 

This Year the Red Ribbon Campaign Delivered over 200 Million Messages to Be Drug-Free! 

(Photo: Region 3 School Winner – Becky Hoffman – Lee’s Summit – Pleasant Lea Middle School )

December 4th, 2023 – Miami, FL– The results are in! The National Family Partnership (NFP) is proud to announce the twenty (20) winners of its 13th Annual National Red Ribbon Week® Photo Contest, held in conjunction with National Red Ribbon Week,® which takes place each year from October 23rd through 31st. Families and individuals who entered on behalf of their schools will receive an Apple iPad and a $1,000 donation will be made to the K-12 school of their choice in support of drug-free prevention education. 

Sponsored by the National Family Partnership (NFP) and co-sponsored by our longest standing partner, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the annual contest invites families and schools across the country to decorate the fronts of their homes and schools with a double-looped red ribbon to create awareness about the importance of staying drug-free.  In addition to the double-looped red ribbon, all photo contest submissions were required to incorporate the 2023 campaign Theme, “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.” ™    

National Family Partnership is leading the charge in America to help families and children to reach their full potential. NFP is committed to helping families and children reach their full potential. Nancy Reagan’s message from the 1980s is still relevant today as we face the latest drug epidemics-this is a disease of denial and blame. Parents are the Number One Direct Factor that kids don’t use drugs. This is why National Family Partnership partners with NIMCO. It is impossible to help without donations such as NIMCO. NIMCO is the only place families, children, and schools can purchase Red Ribbon Merchandise Theme material to support ongoing drug education in the schools.  

The 2023 Red Ribbon Week Theme, "Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free."™ was submitted by Danielle Helm, a Youth Service Coordinator from Russell County Middle School in Russell Springs, Kentucky. “I chose this theme because drugs alter our current brain development and hinders further growth. Drugs decrease levels of neurotransmitters in the reward system of our brain, such as Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins. This can block our brain from naturally experiencing happiness,” said Danielle. "Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free". is about making positive choices to be happy and healthy-that is being kind to our mind.”  

The winning photos were among hundreds of entries uploaded to www.RedRibbon.org. Ten (10) winners received the most votes in their designated regions, and ten (10) winners were chosen from a list of categories that included: Most Creative, Best Use of Theme, Most Educational, Most Ambitious, Best Use of Family and Community, and Most Creative School. 

"The red ribbon symbolizes a national unity on drug prevention” said Peggy Sapp, President and CEO of Informed Families and Volunteer President of National Family Partnership. “Our goal is to nurture a 21st century generation of children and teens who are taught about the dangers of substance misuse.” 

DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was murdered in 1985, is the inspiration behind the Red Ribbon Campaign. Americans started spontaneously wearing the red ribbon as symbol for drug education and awareness. The campaign and contest are reminders about the importance of staying drug-free, and the contest aims to engage communities in a fun and interactive way.   

Did You Win? Visit www.RedRibbon.org/Contest/Winners to view the twenty (20) winning photos! 

 

2023 Contest Winners 

Regional Home Winners: 

• Region 1 – Angela Mumford – Cambridge Springs, PA – Cambridge Springs Jr./Sr. High School 
• Region 2 – Emma Williams – Swanquarter, NC – Mattamuskeet School 
• Region 3 – Becky Barnhill – Edina, MO – Knox County School District 
• Region 4 – Jose Jacob Unsay – Dededo, Guam – John F. Kennedy High School 
• Region 5 – Dinah Joy Bustamante – Folsom, CA – Sutter Middle School  

 

Regional School Winners:  

• Region 1 – Kelly Sartre – Braintree, MA – Braintree High School  
• Region 2 – Jennifer Moser and Jacqueline Ortiz – Miramar, FL– Glades Middle School  
• Region 3 – Becky Hoffman – Lee’s Summit – Pleasant Lea Middle School 
• Region 4 – Erica Guevara – Brownsville, TX – A. X. Benavides Elementary School 

• Region 5 – Kristen Cunningham – Saratoga, California – Saratoga High School 

 

Home Judges Awards: 

• Most Creative – Laura Beebe Wiegand – Cambridge, MA – Buckingham Browne & Nichols School 
• Most Ambitious – Lynne Chambless – Tustin, CA – Calvary Christian School 
• Best Use of Family and Community – Jean Goy – Ramona, CA – Mt. Woodson Elementary School 
• Best Use of Theme – Dan Trinh – Alhambra, CA – Monterey Highlands Elementary School 
• Most Educational – Ruth Chi – Upper Marlboro, MD – St Mary of the Assumption 

 

School Judges Awards: 

• Most Creative – Alisa Nepp – Ringgold, GA – Ringgold Elementary School 
• Most Ambitious – Rachel Knight – Orlando, FL – Orlando Science Elementary 
• Best Use of Family and Community – SRO Deputy Jodi Kauffman – Wooster, OH – Triway Local Schools 
• Best Use of Theme – Angie Corno – Baltimore, MD – St. Joseph School-Fullerton 
• Most Educational – Carley Welborn – Diana, TX – New Diana High School 

 

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About the National Family Partnership  

The National Family Partnership was established in 1980 and is a national leader in drug prevention, education and advocacy. Its mission is to educate families, and to help kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free, through the promotion of two national campaigns: Red Ribbon Week® and the Lock Your Meds® campaign for prescription drug abuse awareness. Learn more about Red Ribbon Week at www.RedRibbon.org, Lock Your Meds at www.LockYourMeds.org and NFP at www.nfp.org.  

Illuminating America in Red to Support Drug-Free Prevention

October 17, 2023 – Miami, FL – As we come together in this season of Red Ribbon Week, we are reminded of the enduring commitment to a drug-free and healthy lifestyle for our youth and our communities. But just as we pledge to keep our bodies free from harm, we must also extend that commitment to our minds—our most precious assets. 

During Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd-31st, national landmarks light up in red to recognize the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program. In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, several landmarks in the State of Florida will light up in red to bring awareness to living a drug-free life.  

The 2022 Red Ribbon Light Up was one of IF's, NFP's Florida partner, most participated and successful campaigns. The Red Ribbon Light Up reached 126,563 Impressions with Geofenced Ads in Miami, Orlando, and Tallahassee.  

Let’s make 2023 even brighter! A complete list of landmarks in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Tallahassee who are Lightning Up America in Red can be found below. Communities across the nation are encouraged to Light Up America Red by lighting up classrooms, offices, libraries, and other locations in red using red bulbs, gel filters or red balloons and decorations. Everyone can participate, don’t be shy to shine a light on celebrating a Drug-Free life! 

Participants can post Go Red for Red Ribbon photos or if they spot one of the landmarks lightning up in red on social media using the hashtags #GoRedforRedRibbon and #LightUpAmericaRed. 

To learn more about how your school or community can host a Red Ribbon Week event, please contact  Elizabeth Golshteyn at egolshteyn@informedfamilies.org.  

 

Miami 

Brickell World Plaza 

Miami Paramount Worldcenter  

City of Hialeah 

MDC Freedom Tower 

Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) 

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 

Biltmore Hotel 

Hard Rock Stadium 

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood 

 

Orlando 

Amway Center Spire 

Cedar of Lebanon  

Astrogenesis II 

Fountain at Lake Eola  

Take Flight 

Tower of Light 

City Hall Fountain 

 

Tampa 

The Sunshine Skyway Bridge 

Bridges on Brorein Steet, Kennedy Blvd., Fortune Street, and Platt Street 

Curtis Hixon Park Palm Trees & Louver Fountain 

Riverwalk 

Old City Hall 

Tallahassee  

Florida State Capitol 

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About the National Family Partnership  

The National Family Partnership was established in 1980 and is a national leader in drug prevention, education, and advocacy. Its mission is to lead our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign. NFP created the campaign in response to the 1985 abduction and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. In addition to the Red Ribbon Campaign®, NFP sponsors the Lock Your Meds® Campaign to prevent prescription drug abuse. Learn more about Red Ribbon Week at www.redribbon.org and NFP at www.nfp.org.  

Contest Submissions Accepted through November 1st

October 1, 2023 – Miami, FL – Beginning October 1st, students, families, and schools across America are invited to participate in the 13th Annual National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest aimed at raising visibility to live drug-free by being creative. The contest, sponsored by the National Family Partnership (NFP) and co-sponsored by our longest standing partner, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be held in conjunction with National Red Ribbon Week, which takes place each year from October 23rd through 31st. The contest will award more than $20,000 to K-12 schools in cities across America.

The DEA has been a longtime co-sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest, which is now in its thirteenth year. Keeping communities Drug-Free is a mission both the DEA and NFP have been laser focused on sharing for many years. NFP hopes this fun and interactive photo contest will bring awareness about living Drug-Free to communities across the country.

The photo contest involves participants decorating the fronts of their homes (front door, mailbox, or fence), and/or school campuses with double-looped red ribbons while incorporating this year's Red Ribbon theme, “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug-Free”. ™ Submitted by Danielle Helm, a Youth Service Coordinator from Russell County Middle School in Russell Springs, Kentucky. Participants enter the contest by taking a photo of their decorations (preferably with people in it!) and uploading it to the redribbon.org/contest website. You must be 18 years old to enter, so parents (or for school entries, school staff or PTA members) must submit the photos.

NFP has been the leading organization in drug-free prevention for forty (40) years. NFP is committed to helping families and children reach their full potential and it is impossible to help without donations such as NIMCO. NIMCO is the only place families, children, and schools can purchase Red Ribbon Merchandise Theme material to support ongoing drug education in the schools.

Twenty winners will be selected from two entry categories: Home Entry or School Entry. The top five schools and top five home submissions that receive the most votes in five designated DEA regions across the country will win $1,000 for the school of their choice and an Apple iPad for personal use. Additionally, ten winners will be selected from the following categories: Most Creative, Most Ambitious Best Use of Family and Community, Best Use of Theme, and Most Educational. The winners of these categories will also win $1,000 for the school of their choice and an Apple iPad for personal use.

"The Red Ribbon Campaign is a massive community engagement process,” said Peggy Sapp, President of National Family Partnership and President and CEO of Informed Families. “It is how to decrease demand for drugs and increase awareness of health and safety.”

The contest begins October 1st at 9 a.m. E.S.T. and ends November 1st at 9 p.m. E.S.T. The voting period begins November 2nd and ends November 16th. The 2022 Red Ribbon Photo Contest Winners will be announced December 4th. Please visit www.redribbon.org/contest for more information.

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About the National Family Partnership

The National Family Partnership was established in 1980 and is a national leader in drug prevention, education, and advocacy. Its mission is to lead our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign. NFP created the campaign in response to the 1985 abduction and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. In addition to the Red Ribbon Campaign®, NFP sponsors the Lock Your Meds® Campaign to prevent prescription drug abuse. Learn more about Red Ribbon Week at www.redribbon.org and NFP at www.nfp.org.

Make Something Delicious Together on Family Day, Monday, September 25th!

August 15^th, 2023 – Miami, FL–  A Parent is a Child’s first Teacher and the most influential Educator in a Child’s life. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University found that the more often kids eat dinner with their families (five to seven per week), the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. It is important to establish a routine with your children and dinner is the easiest way for engagement and communication.

MAKE SOMETHING DELICIOUS TOGETHER ON FAMILY DAY, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023.

Hectic work schedule? Swimming in after-school activities? Do outside influences interfere with your family’s dinnertime?

Family Days™ (celebrated this year September 25, 2023) is a national effort to promote family dinners as an effective way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors. Informed Families invite you to spend time with the original social network (your family at the dinner table!) and join us in standing up for sitting down to dinner.

Share a photo of your family eating dinner together on social media! Tag @InformedFamilies and use #FLFamilyDay and #SittingDownwithIF, so you can be featured on our social media platforms! Three random winners will be selected to win a $100 Publix Gift Card PLUS the Florida school with the most entries will receive a $250 Publix Gift Card! How awesome is that? You can use these gift cards to buy more delicious food to make with your family!

Visit www.InformedFamilies.org/FD to learn more about Family Day and access activities and recipes, so you can continue Helping Us Raise Safe, Healthy, Drug-Free Kids.

 

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About Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership

Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is a broad-based, grass roots volunteer/parent organization that is affiliated with the National Family Partnership. Informed Families is an education, training and support center for parents, schools, and communities to help raise safe, healthy, and drug-free children. We teach people how to say no to drugs and how to make healthy choices. To reduce the demand for drugs, Informed Families has focused its efforts on educating and mobilizing the community, parents, and young people to change attitudes. In this way we counteract the pressures in society that condone and promote drug and alcohol use and abuse. The organization educates thousands of families annually about how to stay drug and alcohol free through networking and a variety of programs and services. Informed Families offers children's substance abuse prevention activities in various locations throughout the State of Florida. Visit informedfamilies.org to learn more.

We Are Here to Help with the Flurry of Back-to-School!

 

August 15, 2023 – Miami, FL – Back to School, those words create a flurry of emotion in each of us. What are the first words that pop into your mind? What are the first words that pop into your child’s mind? Now is a good time to get in touch with these emotions and talk about them with your child(ren). Keep in mind that these emotions will differ from child to child. We invite you to create a word list for emotions and feelings about going back-to-school. Excited, happy, scared, disappointed, rushed, hurried, overwhelmed, sad, busy, eager (add more or your own). Take this list and ask yourself to describe your feelings about the back-to-school season. Take this same exercise and repeat it with your child(ren). There are no right or wrong answers, this exercise is meant to recognize you and your child’s feelings to stimulate an open conversation!

The National Family Partnership is a parent’s cheerleader, let us know how we can help you.

Happy School Year 2023-2024! May it be your best year yet.

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About the National Family Partnership

The National Family Partnership was established in 1980 and is a national leader in drug prevention, education, and advocacy. Its mission is to lead our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign. NFP created the campaign in response to the 1985 abduction and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. In addition to the Red Ribbon Campaign®, NFP sponsors the Lock Your Meds® Campaign to prevent prescription drug abuse. Learn more about Red Ribbon Week at www.redribbon.org and NFP at www.nfp.org.

 

What does Red Ribbon mean to you?

Our 2022 Red Ribbon Photo Contest Winners told us their story on their motivation to participate in the 2022 Red Ribbon Photo Contest, co-sponsored by our long standing partner, The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). They were able to tell us how they got their community and kids involved in a fun and safe way to educate and bring awareness about drug prevention. Thank you to Miami Community Newspapers and Alex who edited and produced this heartwarming video about creating hope for future generations through the eye of a camera and photo.

Music: Start by Roa https://soundcloud.com/roa_music1031
Creative Commons - Attribution 3.0 Unported - CC BY 3.0
Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/3JtVasq Music promoted by Audio Library • Start - Roa (No C..)

Kiki and the History of Red Ribbon

 

February 2nd, 2023 – Miami, FL– Enrique (Kiki) S. Camarena was born on July 26, 1947, in Mexicali, Mexico. He graduated from Calexico High School in Calexico, California in 1966, and in 1968 he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving in the Marine Corps for two years, Kiki was a Calexico fireman, Calexico police officer, and an Imperial County Deputy Sheriff. Kiki joined the Drug Enforcement Administration in June of 1974. His first assignment as a Special Agent with DEA was in a familiar place - Calexico, California.

In 1977, after three years in Calexico, 37-year-old Kiki was reassigned to the Fresno District Office in Northern California. Four years later, Kiki received transfer orders to Mexico, where he would work out of the Guadalajara Resident Office. For more than four years in Mexico, Kiki remained on the trail of the country's biggest marijuana and cocaine traffickers. In early 1985, he was extremely close to unlocking a multi-billion-dollar drug pipeline. However, before he was able to expose the drug trafficking operations to the public, he was kidnapped on February 7, 1985. On that fateful day, while headed to a luncheon with his wife, Mika, Kiki was surrounded by five armed men who threw him into a car and sped away. That was the last time anyone, but his kidnappers would see him alive. 

In honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Parents, sick of the destruction of alcohol and other drugs, had begun forming coalitions. Some of these new coalitions embraced Camarena’s belief that one person can make a difference. These coalitions also adopted the symbol of Camarena’s memory, the red ribbon. During his 11 years with DEA, Kiki received two Sustained Superior Performance Awards, a Special Achievement Award and, posthumously, the Administrator’s Award of Honor, the highest award granted by DEA. 

In 1988, NFP sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children and families. The National Family Partnership (NFP) and its network of individuals and organizations continue to deliver his message of hope to millions of people every year, through the National Red Ribbon Campaign™. Today, NFP hosts the annual Enrique Camarena Award, an award given to an individual who believes and understands the power of the individual voice to reach and influence the larger community for drug prevention. 

(Picture: Katie Nuñez Vasquez)

Katie Nuñez Vasquez is the 2023 Enrique Camarena Award Recipient. Katie is a student activist and community leader in Santa Barbara, California. Katie has led incredible work in the field and drug prevention system. As a young leader, Katie focuses on using her voice in policy change and educating her peers. Katie played a pivotal role in passing the Off-State Alcohol Ordinance, a policy that reduces underage alcohol access for minors, minimizes alcohol advertising to youth, holds liquor stores accountable, and eliminates alcohol mini bottles. Katie made sure to use her voice to speak with the Santa Barbara Officials about the importance of mitigating the normalization of alcohol in Santa Barbra and shared proposals to further prevent underage drinking in the County. Katie takes tangible actions to improve the well-being of her peers and community. Furthermore, Katie has led two (2) national drug-prevention campaigns for three (3) years: National Prevention Week and Red Ribbon Week. For Red Ribbon Week, she facilitated Plant the Promise and over 30+ youth sign pledges. Both activities encouraged her peers to commit to raising awareness, have a drug-free lifestyle, and help others learn about the importance of staying healthy and drug-free.

NFP had the pleasure of interviewing Katie to learn more about her outstanding commitment to her community.

NFP: What made you get into community work and drug-free prevention?

K: The need for advocacy work in my community is what drew me into advocating. Coming from a Hispanic background, alcohol isn’t foreign to us. I remember one of the first projects I worked on dealt with drug free prevention. I along with peers obtained data necessary to explain the rise in substance usage in Santa Barbara. The survey contained questions about whether one believed Santa Barbara was turning into a drunk zone. Taking a walk-through state street is a clear indicator that it is. Future Leaders of America, a non-profit organization I’m a part of, is working towards pushing an end to off-site alcohol sales after midnight. The positive effects of projects such as these is what motivates me to continue to advocate.

 

NFP: Do you enjoy working in the community? Do you involve your peers?

K: I have come to find myself dedicating my time to advocate for my community. In the beginning I saw it as an opportunity to improve my college application but as time passed, I have come to grow a passion for it. FLA has truly helped me discover this part of me that I never thought I had. FLA has pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraged me, and has made me see the impact I can do as a teen in my community. Advocacy work is not a solo project. It requires a team who is just as passionate and willing to do all the small and big things. Becoming a part of the student council it’s my role to push my peers out of their comfort zone to advocate as well.

Congratulations to Ms. Katie Nuñez Vasquez for being the recipient of the 2023 Enrique Camarena Award. It is leaders like yourself that encourage young individuals to live healthy and Drug-Free. Let’s continue to make America Drug-Free!

If you know someone who is an outstanding contributor to the field of drug prevention in your community, you may nominate them by completing the Enrique Camarena award form located inside the Parent/School Planning Guide. You can download it at www.redribbon.org/downloads/. 

Red Ribbon Week takes place each year from October 23rd through 31st.  We invite you to join us by getting involved. Learn more about the contest and the campaign by visiting www.RedRibbon.org.

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About the National Family Partnership

The National Family Partnership was established in 1980 and is a national leader in drug prevention, education, and advocacy. Its mission is to lead our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug-free youth. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign. NFP created the campaign in response to the 1985 abduction and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. In addition to the Red Ribbon Campaign®, NFP sponsors the Lock Your Meds® Campaign to prevent prescription drug abuse. Learn more about Red Ribbon Week at www.redribbon.org and NFP at www.nfp.org.