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The 2025 Enrique Camarena Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment to prevention reflect the enduring legacy of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. This year, we are proud to honor two remarkable leaders whose work continues to create meaningful change in the lives of those they serve.

The 2025 Enrique Camarena Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment to prevention reflect the enduring legacy of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. This year, we are proud to honor two remarkable leaders whose work continues to create meaningful change in the lives of those they serve.

2025 Enrique Camarena Award Recipient: Dr. Matthew Lee, Ph.D., ICADC

This year’s Enrique Camarena Award Recipient is Dr. Matthew Lee, Ph.D., ICADC, Lead Substance Abuse Counselor at East Mississippi Correctional Facility.

Since 2009, Dr. Lee has dedicated his career to substance abuse counseling, recovery support, and rehabilitation. In his role, he oversees the Therapeutic Alcohol and Drug Program and has helped create a stronger path forward for individuals working to rebuild their lives. His leadership has included the integration of evidence-based practices, dynamic therapeutic interventions, and innovative digital tools that support long-term recovery and personal growth.

Dr. Lee’s impact is both measurable and lasting. Under his guidance, the program has seen a 15% increase in resident retention, a 98% rule-violation-free rate, and approximately 50 successful paroles annually. These outcomes reflect more than numbers. They represent restored hope, renewed direction, and lives changed through compassionate and structured support.

Beyond his daily leadership, Dr. Lee has made Red Ribbon awareness a core part of his service. Since 2014, he has led annual facility-wide Red Ribbon campaigns that bring staff and residents together in support of prevention, healing, and drug-free living. His work demonstrates the kind of sustained leadership and broad institutional impact that this award was created to recognize.

 2025 Enrique Camarena Award Honoree: Donna Meyers 

We are also proud to recognize Donna Meyers, TEAP Specialist at Sierra Nevada Job Corps, as this year’s Enrique Camarena Award Honoree.

Donna’s work reflects the power of prevention through mentorship, personal connection, and lived experience. At Sierra Nevada Job Corps, she led the Red Ribbon Campaign on campus, creating opportunities for students to engage with prevention in a meaningful and memorable way. Her efforts inspired more than 80 students to sign a commitment pledge to remain substance-free, representing more than 75% participation on campus.

Among the most touching parts of her campaign was the planting of 50 red tulip bulbs throughout the campus in honor of Enrique Camarena. This symbolic tribute served as a lasting reminder of his courage, sacrifice, and the mission behind Red Ribbon. Donna’s leadership helped turn prevention into something students could see, understand, and carry with them.

With 15 years of experience as a Substance Abuse and Gambling Counselor and more than 20 years in personal recovery, Donna brings both professional expertise and personal testimony to her role. Her story is one of resilience, healing, and hope. That combination has made her a trusted mentor and a powerful example for the students she serves each day.

Two Powerful Stories of Prevention and Leadership 

While both honorees are deeply deserving of recognition, their stories reflect different kinds of impact.

Dr. Matthew Lee’s work represents long-term institutional leadership, measurable program outcomes, and systemic influence across a correctional setting. Donna Meyers’ work highlights the importance of campus-based prevention, student mentorship, and the inspiring role of lived experience in helping young people make healthy choices.

Together, their work shows that prevention leadership can take many forms. Whether through large-scale program leadership or one-on-one encouragement, both individuals embody the spirit of the Enrique Camarena Award.

Celebrating the 2025 Honorees 

We proudly celebrate Dr. Matthew Lee as the 2025 Enrique Camarena Award Recipient and Donna Meyers as the 2025 Enrique Camarena Award Honoree.

Their dedication to prevention, recovery, mentorship, and service continues to leave a lasting mark on the communities they serve. We thank them both for carrying forward the legacy of Enrique Camarena and for reminding us of the powerful difference one person can make.

Learn More! 

To learn more about Red Ribbon leadership and prevention efforts, follow along with our latest campaigns and community highlights, visit Redribbon.org 

A March message from the President of National Family Partnership

When the world is overwhelming, how do we keep our peace and still show up for life? Everyone has advice, but what really matters is finding your peace, what works for you. The way we calm ourselves is personal. It’s shaped by our experiences, our culture, our faith, and the things we’ve learned over time.

March is a good reminder of that, especially with St. Patrick’s Day coming up. We hear phrases and blessings like “the luck of the Irish” and “may the road rise to meet you,” and they stick with us for a reason. They’re little reminders of hope. Still, peace isn’t something we just get lucky enough to find. It’s something we build through small, steady choices that keep us grounded and healthy. 

This month, we’re sharing a message from a prevention postcard created back in 1991, and it still feels true today: We’re lucky to have you. Thank you for being part of this community and for choosing prevention, connection, and drug free living for the people you love.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Miami, FL — The National Family Partnership (NFP) has announced the official 2026 Red Ribbon Week theme: “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™” The theme was selected through NFP’s annual Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest and highlights the idea that choosing to live drug-free is an everyday act of leadership, courage, and positive influence.

The winning slogan was submitted by Ava Tackett, whose message stood out for its clarity, empowerment, and strong focus on personal responsibility and peer influence. “Drug free means not taking drugs and making an impact on others,” Ava shared.

“You can be a hero to other people by not using drugs and inspire them to choose a healthy lifestyle. Heroes inspire others…like Batman to Robin!” - Ava Tackett

Ava’s teacher, Kristen Butremavic , also highlighted the theme’s impact on students, noting that it helps them see that role models aren’t only adults or athletes—they’re classmates making healthy choices and leading with confidence and kindness.

Peggy B. Sapp, President of the National Family Partnership, emphasized the value of youth voices in prevention: “The Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest isa meaningful way to engage communities nationwide. Each year, students remind us that living drug-free is a message worth sharing — and living— for life.

As a prevention partner supporting Red Ribbon Week messaging and community activation, The National Family Partnership encourages schools,families, and community organizations to use this year’s theme to spotlight the everyday heroes who make healthy choices and influence others through confidence, kindness, and example.

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

Red Ribbon Week will be observed October 23–31.
For more information, visit www.RedRibbon.org.

A February message from the President of National Family Partnership

February naturally brings conversations about love. But in my experience, love isn’t only affection or celebration. 

Love is guidance. 

Love is leadership. 

And love is teaching accountability and social norms—especially when children are young.

It’s important to set boundaries for children and not treat them like a teammate or an equal in adult decision-making. Clear boundaries create a feeling of safety and security for young children, and they introduce a calmer environment for the whole family.

Why boundaries feel like love to a child

A story that has stayed with me for years involves a preschool playground. The adults noticed children repeatedly running up to a fence near the play equipment and “bouncing” off it. Some parents decided the fence must be the problem, so after a lot of debate, they removed it.

The result surprised everyone. The children were devastated—and some cried. They wanted that fence. They wanted the boundary. To them, it wasn’t a restriction; it was safety. It was the “bounce back” that helped them understand the limits of the space and feel secure inside it.

That’s what boundaries do when they’re healthy and consistent: they protect children and help them settle.

Kids need age-appropriate expectations

A 5-year-old doesn’t have the capacity to think like a 30-year-old. Raising children is about socializing them to be safe, secure, and age-appropriate. Our job as parents and caregivers is to help children learn how to function in an adult world, with guidance that matches their stage of development.

This is where social norms matter. Social norms are the everyday behaviors that help children succeed in school, in public spaces, and in relationships—things like listening, waiting their turn, following directions, and respecting boundaries.

These skills don’t “just happen.” They’re taught.

Public spaces reveal who’s leading

Have you ever noticed how different children’s behavior can look in different environments? In many American public settings, you’ll sometimes see children “running” the adults, creating unsafe surroundings for everyone—not just themselves. That’s not always the case. I’ve also seen outstanding parenting in busy airports where adults are clearly in charge and children are engaged, helpful, and safe.

The difference is leadership and awareness.

Adults must be aware of danger in their surroundings. A luggage cart is not a toy. Crowded venues are not the place to test limits. When adults maintain order and calm discipline, children learn to do the same.

Accountability now builds safer teens later

Accountability and responsibility are basic life skills. They are also protective factors for prevention. Children who learn boundaries early are more prepared to handle peer pressure, risky situations, and unhealthy influences as they grow.

That’s why this message matters for February—not only for “love,” but for healthy choices.

National Family Partnership exist to strengthen families and protect youth. We talk often about prevention, substance use, and supporting young people—but many of the most powerful prevention tools are the everyday ones: structure, consistency, and clear expectations.

And yes—this connects to our Lock Your Meds campaign, too. Loving boundaries include practical safety steps. Securing medications and keeping them out of reach isn’t about suspicion; it’s about responsibility. It’s one more way adults stay accountable for the environment our children are growing up in.

What “loving boundaries” can look like this week

If you want a simple place to start, try this:

• Set the expectation clearly (before you enter a store, venue, or event)
  
  
• Explain the “why” in one sentence (safety, respect, responsibility)
  
  
• Follow through consistently (calmly, without a long debate)
  
  
• Model the behavior you want (kids learn what they live)
  
  

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be the adult.

Closing thoughts

Love is teaching accountability. Love is teaching social norms. Love is creating a safe, calm structure that helps children feel secure—and helps them grow into responsible teens and adults.

If you’d like support, resources, or guidance for your family, I invite you to connect with us at NFP.org. And if you haven’t already, please take a moment to learn more about our Lock Your Meds Campaign—because safe homes and healthy choices start with the adults.

At the National Family Partnership, we believe that every parent, grandparent, educator, and community leader has the power to make a difference in a child’s life. And sometimes, that difference begins in the most unexpected place—your own medicine cabinet.

Through our Lock Your Meds® campaign, we’re empowering families to take practical, preventative action against one of today’s most underrecognized threats: youth access to prescription medications.

The Hidden Risk at Home

You might be surprised to learn that the majority of teens who misuse prescription drugs don’t get them from drug dealers—they get them from family and friends. Too often, medications are left unsecured, creating unintended opportunities for misuse.

As caregivers, we don’t always realize we’re potential “suppliers.” But we are. And the good news is—we can change that with a few mindful, proactive steps.

Lock Your Meds®: Prevention Starts at Home

Lock Your Meds® isn’t just a slogan—it’s a national prevention movement we launched to help adults reduce youth prescription drug misuse, beginning in the home. The campaign is designed to make taking action both easy and effective.

Here’s what you can do starting today:

🔐 Lock Medications Securely

Keep all prescription and over-the-counter meds in a safe, locked location. A lockbox, drawer, or cabinet that only adults can access helps prevent temptation or experimentation.

Purchase lockboxes here!

📋 Keep Track of Meds

Use our medication inventory card to stay aware of what you have, how much, and when it’s used. This keeps you informed—and discourages unauthorized access.

Download the card

🗑 Dispose of Unused Meds

Don’t keep old medications “just in case.” Use local drop-off programs or recommended disposal methods to clear out what you no longer need.

Search for a location near you

💬 Talk Openly With Kids

Honest, age-appropriate conversations build trust. Talk about the dangers of prescription misuse and how to make safe choices.

National Movement, Local Impact

Lock Your Meds® is making a difference across the country thanks to our passionate network of families, educators, prevention coalitions, and community organizations. Together, we’ve seen what’s possible when awareness becomes action.

From schools and sports teams to local pharmacies and faith groups, partners are helping us reach more households with our message: Lock your meds. Protect your family. Strengthen your community.

Free Resources to Help You Get Involved

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or community leader, you have access to tools that can make a lasting impact.

• Downloadable guides and conversation starters
• Inventory tracking tools
• Pledge to take action and spread the word
• Community event materials and ideas

Explore all our resources at lockyourmeds.org and join thousands of families across the nation taking the first step toward prevention.

Protect What Matters Most

It’s easy to overlook the medications in our homes. But now more than ever, it’s crucial to lock them up, track them, and talk about them. These actions might feel small—but they have the power to prevent misuse, protect futures, and build safer, healthier communities.

We’re here to support you.
Together, we can keep our youth safe and our families strong.

Why informed conversations matter now more than ever

At the National Family Partnership, we’ve spent decades focused on one truth: when families are informed and engaged, young people are safer.

Today, emerging research is sending a clear message. Youth who use marijuana are far more likely to go on to use tobacco and nicotine products, increasing their risk for long‑term health consequences.

What the Latest Research Shows

Long‑term studies tracking adolescents and young adults reveal a strong progression from marijuana use to regular tobacco use. As marijuana becomes more accessible and socially accepted, the likelihood of youth experimenting — and then escalating — increases.

Researchers warn that this pattern may lead to hundreds of thousands of additional young people becoming long‑term tobacco users, driven in part by early cannabis exposure.

Read more about the findings

Why This Connection Is Concerning

Nicotine addiction is one of the hardest habits to break, especially when it begins during adolescence. Tobacco use impacts:

• Brain development
• Mental health
• Long‑term physical well‑being

When marijuana and tobacco use overlap — particularly through vaping — the risks increase, and quitting becomes harder.

The Power of Informed Conversations

Parents and caregivers play a critical role in prevention. Research consistently shows that youth are less likely to engage in risky behaviors when adults talk openly and honestly with them.

Here’s how to start:

• Ask what they’re seeing or hearing at school or online
• Share facts without judgment
• Set clear expectations while keeping communication open
• Reinforce that asking questions is always okay

Resources to Support Families

• SAMHSA – Parent Conversation Tools:
  🔗 https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you

• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Youth Resources:
  🔗 https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators

At the National Family Partnership, we know that the more parents understand emerging risks, the more confidently they can guide their children. Prevention isn’t about reacting after harm happens — it’s about staying informed, connected, and proactive.

When families talk, youth listen.
And when families act, communities grow stronger.

We honor Tom’s leadership, clarity, and unwavering commitment to protecting families and strengthening communities

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Thomas “Tom” V. Cash, who died unexpectedly on Christmas Day.

Tom dedicated his life to public service and the safety of others. He served our nation for decades in law enforcement and drug control efforts, including distinguished leadership roles with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal agencies. Those who worked with Tom remember him as a steady leader with a sharp mind, a direct and honest approach, and a deep respect for mission-driven work.

Beyond his professional career, Tom gave generously of his time and guidance to prevention. He served on the National Family Partnership Board of Directors and previously served as Chairman of Informed Families. His counsel, clarity, and commitment helped strengthen the work we do every day on behalf of families, youth, and communities.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Hillary Avenali Cash, his children, grandchildren, and extended family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Capital Grille (2430 E Sunrise Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304).

Tom’s legacy will continue through the prevention work he championed, and through the many people he mentored, supported, and inspired along the way.

In honor of Tom’s lifelong commitment to protecting children and families, we invite those who wish to do so to consider making a contribution to support prevention education through National Family Partnership. 

Across the country, laws around cannabis are changing quickly—but not all communities are experiencing those changes the same way. At the National Family Partnership, we’re closely watching how local cannabis policies—like dispensary zoning and delivery permissions—are affecting teenagers.

Emerging research reveals a clear trend: teens are far more likely to use cannabis when they live in areas that allow retail sales or cannabis delivery services. That includes more frequent and heavier use, not just experimentation.

That’s why we’re speaking directly to families, caregivers, and communities: the choices we make at the local level can have a direct impact on our kids.

Why Local Policies Matter for Teen Behavior

Even in states where cannabis is legal, local governments decide whether dispensaries can open, where they’re located, whether delivery is allowed, and how cannabis is advertised. And those choices shape what teens see—and how they think.

When cannabis is sold just down the street or delivered within minutes, teens begin to perceive it as normal or harmless. This is called reduced perceived risk—a key factor in youth substance use.

In fact, teens in areas with more visible cannabis access are:

• More likely to believe “everyone is doing it.”
• Less likely to understand the risks of high-potency THC products.
• More likely to try it themselves—especially through edibles or vaping.

Read our President's most recent message: THE BIG LIE: Marijuana isn't as safe as many believe

The Real Risks of Today’s Cannabis for Teens

Cannabis today is very different from the marijuana of decades past. THC concentrations have skyrocketed, especially in vape cartridges and edible products, making the effects more intense and the potential for dependency greater.

Research shows that cannabis can:

• Affect memory and learning, especially in still-developing brains.
• Increase anxiety or depression symptoms in some adolescents.
• Lead to addiction, particularly with early or frequent use.
• Impair driving and reaction times, even hours after use.

As cannabis becomes more accessible in a community, so does early and frequent teen exposure to these risks.

How Your Family and Community Can Make a Difference

While legalization decisions often happen at the state level, local communities hold the power to protect youth. Here’s how we recommend taking action:

1. Start the Conversation at Home

Talking to your teen about cannabis can feel intimidating—but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have.

Use honest, open-ended questions. Ask what they’re seeing at school or on social media. Explain how cannabis impacts the teen brain. Most importantly, listen more than you talk.

➡️ What to Do If Your Child Smokes Marijuana

2. Stay Engaged in Local Policy Decisions

Zoning laws, retail permit approvals, and marketing regulations are often decided in city council or county board meetings. Your voice matters. Ask questions like:

• Are dispensaries allowed near schools or parks?
• Is cannabis delivery permitted in your area?
• Are there restrictions on advertising near youth spaces?

3. Advocate for Protective Policies

Support local efforts that:

• Limit the number and location of dispensaries.
• Restrict advertising in public spaces or near schools.
• Ban cannabis delivery to residential addresses without strong age verification.

4. Get Involved in Prevention Programs

Join a coalition or connect with your child’s school counselor to support prevention education. We offer campaigns like:

➡️ Safe Homes Smart Parties
➡️ Family Day: A Day to Eat Dinner with Your Children

Explore more in our Parent & Community Resource Hub.

Prevention Works Best When It’s Local and Personal

What makes local policy so powerful is its ability to reflect the values, goals, and needs of a specific community. When families, schools, and leaders work together to promote youth well-being, we build stronger neighborhoods—and protect our kids from the subtle pressures of normalization.

Let’s shape a future where smart policy and strong parenting go hand in hand.

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Helpful Tools and Resources

✅ Guide: What to Say to Teens About Marijuana
✅ Parent & Community Resources – Informed Families

We know parenting comes with challenges—especially in today’s fast-changing world. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. At NFP, we’re here to support you, inform you, and stand beside you as you raise kids to make healthy, informed choices.

Together, we can create communities where teens thrive, choices are clear, and risks are reduced.

Thank you for everything you do.

For far too long, a powerful misconception has shaped conversations across America: the belief that marijuana is safe. Many people genuinely want to believe this—because life is stressful, connection is important, and fitting in feels good. But wanting something to be true does not make it true.

As I reviewed recent data highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article, I was struck by how urgently we need to challenge this narrative. What has been sold to the public as harmless is proving to be anything but.

How the “Safe” Narrative Took Hold

This belief didn’t emerge on its own. It was shaped by several powerful forces:

1. Individual Desire

We all seek relief—relief from pressure, from worry, from the demands of daily life. When people hear that marijuana offers calm or community, it’s easy for them to accept the message without question.

2. A Highly Profitable Marijuana Industry

What began as a conversation about regulation and oversight has evolved into a commercial industry built on advertising, product expansion, and profit.
The industry has crafted a convincing smoke screen: marijuana is good for you, it’s natural, it’s safe.

But follow the money, and you’ll see clearly—this messaging grows profits, not public health.

3. Legislators Influenced by Trends and Revenue

Across the country, lawmakers read the same reports and newsletters promoting marijuana as a booming economic opportunity. When something is popular and profitable, it becomes tempting to simply say “yes.”

However, popularity and profit do not equal safety.

The Data Is Now Impossible to Ignore

The statistics in this article reveal why several states are beginning to rethink—or even reverse—their legalization policies. Rising emergency-room visits, increased mental-health complications, and the dangers of high-potency products are painting a far more serious picture than the public was led to believe.

This may very well be the clarion call we have been waiting for.

It's time to ask:

Is legal and recreational marijuana truly a wise choice for anyone who wants to be healthy?

Where Do We Go From Here?

As this new information comes to light, we have a responsibility to pause, reflect, and look closely at the real impact marijuana is having on individuals, families, and communities. The conversation can’t be driven by profit or popularity—it must be grounded in truth.

My hope is that these emerging statistics will encourage more people to reconsider what they’ve been told and to look beyond the marketing messages that have shaped so much of the public’s perception.

At National Family Partnership, our commitment remains the same: to empower parents, support healthy kids, and champion prevention rooted in science, not slogans.

In the months ahead, we will continue sharing research, elevating data, and bringing clarity to an issue clouded by misinformation. The more we shine a light on the facts, the better equipped families will be to make informed, healthy decisions.

This moment calls for honesty, courage, and a willingness to rethink long-held assumptions. Together, we can shift the narrative, protect our youth, and build stronger, healthier communities.

Peggy B. Sapp
President & CEO