The 2022 Red Ribbon Photo Contest Winners Announced

December 1st, 2022 – Miami, FL– The results are in! The National Family Partnership (NFP) is proud to announce the nineteen (19) winners of its 12th 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 National Family Partnership (NFP) and co-sponsored by 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 2022 campaign Theme, Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free. ™

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.

Melissa Terlaje, a school counselor and advocate for Red Ribbon Week at Chinook in Auburn, Washington, submitted her photo on behalf of the school and received the School Judges Award. “This is a huge honor not only for my school but also for our district as this is the first year we’ve participated in Red Ribbon. Our staff and students had no idea what Red Ribbon was about,” she said. “Coming into the role as the school counselor this year, one of my goals was to educate my students on the importance of making healthy life choices. This will be the first of many participations in this event!”

The winning photos were among hundreds of entries uploaded to RedRibbon.org. Nine (9) 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 Campaign is a massive community engagement process,” said Peggy Sapp, President and CEO of Informed Families and Volunteer President of National Family Partnership. “It is how to decrease demand for drugs and increase awareness of health and safety.”

The DEA Field Officers from the five (5) divisions will be attending each school to present a check ceremony for the winning photos.

DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was murdered in 1985, is the inspiration behind the Red Ribbon Campaign. 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.

Visit https://www.redribbon.org/contest/2022winners to view the nineteen (19) winning photos.

2022 Contest Winners

Regional Home Winners:

• Region 1 – Angela Mumford–Cambridge Springs, PA - Cambridge Springs Jr./Sr. High School
• Region 2 – Carolyn Greene– Albany, GA – International Studies Elementary Charter School
• Region 4 – Alicia Alvarado – Armed Forces Europe – Grafenwoehr Elementary School - Dodea
• Region 5 – Yung-Ching Lin – Saratoga, CA -- Saratoga High 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 – Emily Loesch – Sugar Land, TX – Settlers Place Elementary
• Region 5 – Tiffany Farnsworth – Hyrum, Utah – Canyon Elementary School

Home Judges Awards:

• Most Creative – Mustafa Aydin – Greensboro, NC – Triad Math and Science Academy - Elementary
• Most Ambitious – Maria Izzo – Bernardsville, NJ – Bernads High School
• Best Use of Family and Community – Dan Trinh – Monterary Park, CA – Monterey Highlands Elementary School
• Best Use of Theme – Dinah Joy Bustamante – Folsom, California – Sandra J Gallardo Elementary School
• Most Educational – Hai Le – Fountain Valley, CA – Monroe Elementary Language Academy

School Judges Awards:

• Most Creative –Melissa Terlaje – Auburn, Washington – Chinook Elementary School
• Most Ambitious – Allison Kennedy – Newbury Park, CA -- Banyan Elementary School
• Best Use of Family and Community –Darby Scalf – Walton, IN – Lewis Cass Elementary
• Best Use of Theme – Tamara Thornton –Hughson, CA – Fox Road Elementary School
• Most Educational – Perihan Akcan – Greensboro, NC -- Triad Math and Science Academy - Secondary 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 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.

The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act is the most recent attempt for Congress to grant marijuana businesses access to the banking system.  It is vital that the SAFE Banking Act is not passed during the lame duck session of Congress. There is an ongoing effort by Congress to pass this legislation, and we are asking that you contact your congressional delegations about opposing this legislation.

Visit cadca.org to learn more about our substance use prevention advocacy efforts!

Red Ribbon Café Podcast Premieres on November 23rd, 2022

November 22, 2022 – Miami, FL – On November 23rd, 2022, National Family Partnership Partner Informed Families/The Florida Family Partnership will premiere it’s first episode of the Red Ribbon Café Podcast. This Podcast allows parents and families to hear from official Informed Families staff members and President and CEO, Peggy Sapp on current topics surrounding child development and education.

Each episode of the Podcast will feature individuals speaking about their real-world experiences working with the school system and communities to promote health childhood development and fulfillment. Peggy Sapp, President, and CEO of Informed Families and Volunteer President of National Family Partnership encourages that “this Podcast will allow parents to understand that they play a significant role in why their child doesn’t use drugs. IF will help parents figure out how to achieve success by offering you useful topics and encouraging you to join a Parent Peer Group to continue supporting your child’s full potential.”

As Thanksgiving and Christmas Break is around the corner, we hope that families, educators, and children will take fifteen minutes out of their fun-filled day to educate themselves on prevention-based topics, so we can continue helping children make healthy decisions.

Connect with us by using #KnowUsBeforeYouNeedUs to share what topics you want to hear next!

The Red Ribbon Café Podcast will be featured on Miami's Community Newspapers website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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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.

Why Are Buildings and Roads Decked Out in Red?

October 25th, 2022 – Miami, FL – The National Red Ribbon Campaign Week Kick-Off has started! The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and National Family Partnership will join with communities across the nation in kicking off Red Ribbon Campaign Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program, on Sunday, October 23rd. Landmarks across the nation will light red in recognition of the annual event and City Officials from have issued state proclamations in California and Florida encouraging their residents to demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. However, what exactly is Red Ribbon Week? Red Ribbon Week is a way for our community to raise awareness and connect with a common goal: to make America drug-free.

During Red Ribbon Campaign Week, NFP encourages communities to light up their local landmarks or buildings in red. This gives the community the opportunity to be vocal and visible by shining a light for voices everywhere to achieve a drug-free community.

“Buildings are Red to send the ‘Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free’ message across America, NFP Invites YOU to join us.” States Peggy Sapp, President and CEO of Informed Families and Volunteer President of National Family Partnership. How can you participate in sending this drug free message to your community? Simple, 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 #LightUpAmericaRed, and #NationalFamilyPartnership.
A complete list of landmarks in the Miami division who are Lightning Up America Red can be found below.

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
City of Hialeah
FTX Arena (Formerly Known as American Airlines Arena)
MDC Freedom Tower
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
SR 836/ Dolphin Expressway
SR 924/ Gratigny Expressway
SR 112/ Airport Expressway
SR 874/ Don Shula Expressway
SR 878/ Snapper Expressway
17 Avenue and the SR 836 (Tolling Gantry)

Orlando
Amway Spire
Fountain at Lake Eola

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

The U.S. National Guard Recognizes Red Ribbon Week with Signed Proclamation

October 20th, 2022 – Miami, FL –Brig. Gen. Gary Charlton, Commander, 105th Airlift Wing, signed a proclamation today instating October 23 through October 31 as "Red Ribbon Week".

The proclamation states the following:

WHEREAS, the Red Ribbon Campaign is a national effort to commemorate the 1985 murder of Enrique (Kiki) Camerena, a federal narcotics agent, killed by drug traffickers, and to promote public awareness of the effects of drug abuse; and

WHEREAS, the County of Orange, the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Orange County (ADAC), the 105th Airlift Wing, and the New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force are working together to lead the Red Ribbon celebration of the Red Ribbon Campaign for a Drug-Free America; and

WHEREAS, Orange County, the ADAC, the 105th Airlift Wing, and the NY National Guard Counterdrug Task Force are putting forth great effort to raise awareness and promote alcohol and drug-free activities for youth; and

WHEREAS, this year’s National campaign theme is to “Celebrate Life, Live Drug Free!” and

WHEREAS, alcohol and drugs affect our health and our lifestyles, and many agencies have joined the Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council in this campaign.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Brigadier General Gary R. Charlton II, Commander, 105th Airlift Wing, do hereby proclaim October 23 through October 31, 2022 as:

“RED RIBBON WEEK”

My hand set forth upon this proclamation in the 105th Airlift Wing, on this date in October 2022, and I commend this observance to all members of the 105th Airlift Wing community.

HONORED THIS TWENTIETH DAY OF OCTOBER, TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-TWO
New York National Guard Counterdrug Task Force
The Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Council of Orange County.

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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.

Miami, Oct. 18, 2022 – Miami Dade College (MDC) will illuminate its Historic Landmark Freedom Tower red at sunset on Saturday, Oct. 23 through Monday, Oct. 31, to kick-off national Red Ribbon Week®, Oct. 23- 31, in support of Informed Families. FTX Arena (Formally Known as American Airlines Arena) and Brickell World Plaza will also be illuminated in support of the Red Ribbon Campaign®, which is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people each year.

Red Ribbon Week was created by the National Family Partnership after the death of DEA Agent Kiki Camarena in Mexico in 1985. It is an opportunity to show support for a drug free America and to talk to children about making healthy choices.

About Informed Families
The mission of Informed Families, a non-profit organization founded in 1982, is helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free. Informed Families focuses on educating, involving and empowering parents to work together to set boundaries and monitor their children’s behavior to prevent underage drinking, substance abuse and other harmful behaviors. Affiliated with the National Family Partnership, Informed Families is best known for being the Florida Sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Campaign. Informed Families also boasts multiple school and community-based prevention programs targeting youth, parents and communities. For more information on Informed Families and how to get Informed Families programs into your school, please visit www.informedfamilies.org, or call 305-856-4886.

WHAT: Freedom Tower Goes Red to Kick-Off Red Ribbon Week

WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 23 through Monday, Oct. 31., at sunset

WHERE: Freedom Tower, 600 Biscayne Blvd.


MDC Media Contacts: Irene Muñoz, interim director of communications, 305-237-3030, imunoz@mdc.edu; Sue Arrowsmith, director of media relations, 305-237-3710, sarrowsm@mdc.edu; Allison Horton, 305-237-3359, ahorton2@mdc.edu; or Norma Ardila, 305-237-3607, nardila@mdc.edu.

This and other MDC releases are available on the web at www.mdc.edu.

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Red Ribbon Week is Recognized in the State of New Hampshire House

October 19th, 2022 – Miami, FL – On behalf of National Family Partnership, we would like to thank Congressman Chris Pappas and New Hampshire First Congressional District Constituents for recognizing Red Ribbon Week. Below you will find an excerpt of Congressman Chris Pappas addressing the House on October 16th, 2022.

Congressman Chris Pappas: Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of National Red Ribbon Week. In 1988, the National Family Partnership dedicated the week of October 23-31 to raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and the harm that drug trafficking brings to our communities. For the past 34 years the NFP has continued their work, raising awareness for families and schools in neighborhoods across New Hampshire.

For all too many New Hampshire families--including mine--the nation's drug crisis is deeply personal. Many of us have lost neighbors, friends, and loved ones to overdoses and the harmful effects of drug use in recent years. We have learned that the pain of addiction hurts not just one member of our community, but us all. As the representative for New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I remain firmly committed to improving the drug-detection capabilities of our law enforcement officials and will not stop calling for the resources to help those struggling with addiction to lead productive, healthy lifestyles. This is why I was proud to introduce the Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2022 as well as the National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act. These bills work to strengthen our law enforcement's ability to go after those trafficking drugs on the dark web, as well as providing funding for law enforcement and service agencies to support children who have experienced a traumatic event, like witnessing a drug overdose by a loved one, to support their wellbeing and future success in life.

The mission of Red Ribbon Week to bring these issues into the light and to educate our youth about the dangers of drugs is critical to begin healing our state and our country. I am honored to work with the many New Hampshire partners taking on this challenge, including our healthcare and recovery workers, Drug Free Communities, First Responders, and law enforcement from the local state and federal level including the DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. Each partner carries on the mission to stop illicit substances from harming our communities, while never giving up hope for those in recovery.

On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank the National Family Partnership and the Drug Enforcement Agency for your work on this issue and hope my fellow Granite Staters will join me in recognizing the 2022 National Red Ribbon Week.

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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.

Red Ribbon Week is Here, How Will You Get Involved?

October 18th, 2022 – Miami, FL –Spooky Season is October 31st, BUT Red Ribbon Week starts October 23rd! So put on your best costume (preferably something in red!) and learn how you can “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free” Red Ribbon Week.

NFP is laser focused on bringing drug awareness and visibility to communities and youth by sponsoring the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign™. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents, and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction cause by drugs in America. 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.

Here are ways you can get involved during the 2022 Red Ribbon Week:

• Enter the 12th Annual 2022 Red Ribbon Photo Contest for a chance to win $1000 for K-12 School and an iPad! You can submit your creative photo at redribbon.org/contest.
• Sponsor a Classroom, Grade, or School by purchasing a bundle of this year’s favorite items. You can choose a sponsorship package at nfp.org/store.
• Even though Halloween is coming up! Get dressed in your best costume and put on your creative hats to enter the 2023 Red Ribbon Theme Contest for a chance to win $500 in Red Ribbon Merchandise! Submissions are due by December 4th, 2022, via email at RedRibbon@NFP.org.
• During Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd-31st, 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. 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 #DEARedRibbon, #LightUpAmericaRed, and #NationalFamilyPartnership.

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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.

Illuminating Florida in Red to Support Drug-Free Prevention

September 23, 2022 – Miami, FL – Why do some individuals become addicted to drug misuse while others don't? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), research on family studies that include identical twins, fraternal twins, adoptees, and siblings suggest that as much as half of a person's risk of becoming addicted to nicotine, alcohol, or other drugs depends on his or her genetic makeup and the other half on external factors. When twins are born with a genetic predisposition to substance abuse, and one is placed in a family that uses drugs and the other is placed in an environment that doesn’t use drugs. It is significantly more likely that the twin exposed to the first environment will seek the use of drugs. What does this mean. Environment trumps hereditary. Our surroundings can greatly affect an individual’s likelihood of drug use and addiction. Fascinating, isn’t it? By sending healthy messages to the community, you are making a difference in their health and future. Research has shown that school health programs can reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviors among adolescents and youth and have a positive effect on academic performance.

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. A complete list of landmarks in the Miami division who are Lightning Up America 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.

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 #DEARedRibbon , #LightUpAmericaRed, and #NationalFamilyPartnership. 

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
City of Hialeah
FTX Arena (Formerly Known as American Airlines Arena)
MDC Freedom Tower
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
SR 836/ Dolphin Expressway
SR 924/ Gratigny Expressway
SR 112/ Airport Expressway
SR 874/ Don Shula Expressway
SR 878/ Snapper Expressway
17 Avenue and the SR 836 (Tolling Gantry)

Orlando

Amway Spire
Fountain at Lake Eola

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.

RESCHEDULED- The Drug Enforcement Administration will hold its annual National Red Ribbon Rally virtually this year. Our virtual rally will premiere on https://www.dea.gov on October 20, 2022, at 12:00pm PST and be available to share throughout the month of October.

This year’s Red Ribbon Rally features voices from our community and special guests who represent diverse experiences and perspectives on drug prevention and Red Ribbon activism, including youth performances that celebrate living drug-free. The DEA will recognize the 2021 Red Ribbon Photo Contest Winners co-sponsored by National Family Partnership. In addition, we will recognize the elementary, middle, and high school winners of the DEA Red Ribbon Visual Arts Contest, and announce the community groups selected to receive DEA’s 2022 Community Drug Prevention Award.

During Red Ribbon Week, young people in communities and schools across the nation pledge to live drug-free by wearing red ribbons and participating in anti-drug events. Red Ribbon Week is also a time to pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, whose tragic murder led to the creation of the Red Ribbon Campaign. He is the man and hero behind the Red Ribbon Campaign. Today, millions of Americans all over the United States continue to wear red ribbons to symbolize their support for a united, drug-free nation.

Tickets are not required. No need to RSVP.
Spread the word. Everyone is invited.
Click the link below to download the invitation:
https://admin.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/2022-Red-Ribbon-Rally-Invite-2.pdf
Any questions regarding the virtual rally please email: community.outreach@usdoj.gov.

For more information and resources for Red Ribbon Week please visit: https://www.dea.gov/redribbon