"Life is A Movie, Film Drug Free."™

January 31^st, 2023 – Miami, FL– Today, the National Family Partnership (NFP) proudly revealed the theme for the 2024 Red Ribbon Week: "Life is A Movie, Film Drug Free.™" This creative theme was submitted by Cheryl Holsapfel, Digital Art Teacher, and Devansh Aggarwal from Solon Middle School. It serves as a powerful reminder that ordinary Americans nationwide contribute significantly to their communities every day by embracing a drug-free lifestyle.

The annual Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest, sponsored by the National Family Partnership, attracts millions of submissions across the nation, inviting participants to craft slogans that embody the campaign's mission. "Life is A Movie, Film Drug Free.™" was selected because it inspires individuals to play their part in fostering safe, healthy, and drug-free communities. From healthcare professionals to educators, parents, and beyond, the theme underscores the collective impact achievable through dedication and commitment.

Cheryl Holsapfel, the Digital Art Teacher at Solon Middle School, shared her enthusiasm for integrating the Red Ribbon project into her curriculum. "I teach a class called digital art, where we focus on design, visual literacy, and 21st-century skills. Incorporating the Red Ribbon theme contest into our lessons provides students with real-world application and engagement. We analyze our audience, explore various printing applications, and refine slogans to ensure clarity and creativity. It's incredibly rewarding to witness our students' ideas come to life and make a difference in the community," she expressed.

The origin of the Red Ribbon Campaign traces back to 1985, following the tragic murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. This initiative, initiated by NFP, symbolizes a commitment to raising awareness about the devastating impact of drugs in America.

Peggy B. Sapp, President of NFP, emphasized the importance of community engagement through initiatives like the theme contest. "The Red Ribbon theme contest is just one of the ways NFP raises awareness in our communities. Each year, we encourage the public to share their perspectives on living drug-free. This year, we invite them to showcase what drug-free living means to them through photography, serving as representatives of our collective commitment to a drug-free lifestyle," she stated.

Theme submissions for the Red Ribbon Week Contest are open annually from January 1st to December 4th. Winners of the contest receive $500 worth of Red Ribbon Week themed merchandise, generously provided by Nimco, Inc. As the sole supplier of Red Ribbon Merchandise Theme materials, Nimco, Inc. supports ongoing drug education efforts in schools nationwide.

Red Ribbon Week is observed annually from October 23rd to 31st. Join us in making a difference by getting involved. To learn more about the contest and the campaign, visit www.RedRibbon.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Elizabeth Golshteyn
EGolshteyn@InformedFamilies.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 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.

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.

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?

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.

January 30th, 2023 – Miami, FL– Today the National Family Partnership (NFP) unveiled its 2023 Red Ribbon Week 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. This year’s theme is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free!

Each year, the National Family Partnership sponsors the Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest. The theme contest invites millions of Americans across the country to submit a unique slogan that captures the essence and mission of the campaign. Danielle’s theme was chosen because it encourages us to do our individual parts to keep our communities safe, healthy and drug free. All segments of the community, health care workers, police officers, educators, school bus drivers, parents… people just like you and me, are examples of what we can achieve through self-dedication, care, and commitment. The theme encourages everyone to use their voice to make a difference no matter who they are, where they’re from or what they do. The possibilities are endless when we work together!

“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.”

NFP organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. After his murder, parents, and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the destruction caused by drugs in America.

“The theme contest is just one-way NFP brings awareness to the community,” said Peggy B. Sapp, NFP President. “Each year we strive to engage the public by inviting them to share what living Drug-Free means to them. This year we are inviting them to show us what Drug-Free looks like by sharing different photos of themselves as representatives of the community.”

Theme submissions are accepted each year from January 1st through December 4th and winners of the contest receive $500 in Ribbon Week themed merchandise courtesy of Nimco, Inc. NIMCO is the only place families, children, and schools can purchase Red Ribbon Merchandise Theme material to support ongoing drug education in the schools.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The rate of U.S. teen vaping and marijuana use is on the rise, while their use of other substances including alcohol and cigarettes is declining, according to a new study.

Researchers tracking substance use trends among U.S. teens over the past 30 years found substance use has generally declined, except for overall marijuana use and vaping nicotine and marijuana, HealthDay reports.

The percentage of U.S. teens who said they had vaped nicotine in the past month increased from 7% to 17% between 2017 and 2019, the study found. Marijuana vaping rose from just over 3% to almost 10% during that time.

Rates of substance use were highest among teens who had a job or who spent a lot of time with friends, without adults around, the study found. Substance use was least likely to occur among teens who did not spend a lot of time around friends or who took part in sports or other structured activities.

“Years of research show that when young people are engaged in activities they enjoy and feel are meaningful, they have less reason to turn to substance use to soothe their boredom or seek sensation,” said Linda Richter, vice president of prevention research and analysis for Partnership to End Addiction, who was not involved in the study.

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