Red Ribbon Week

This week, throughout the country, schools are pulling out the red. At Drummond High School, students can be seen sporting red ribbons pinned to their shirts, tied to their cars and painted on posters, hung throughout the halls. It is a week to join together and fight the use of drugs. Now nationally recognized, Red Ribbon Week was started to pay tribute to  Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena and his fight to end the illegal use of drugs. Camarena was a special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. He was working undercover in Mexico, investigating a major drug cartel that was believed to include officers from Mexico's police, army, and government. On February 7, 1985, Camarena disappeared, his body was found a month later. To commemorate his sacrifice, Enrique Camarena's friend, Henry Lozano, along with Congressman Duncan Hunter launched clubs throughout California to help people lead drug-free lives. Their symbol became red badges and ribbons, hence the name, Red Ribbon week. This symbol was adopted by numerous other organizations throughout the country, SADD being one of them. In honor of this week, I feel it is right to share some facts with you.

- In 2003, almost 28,723 people in the U.S. died of drug-induced causes.

- Drug poisoning is now the fastest-rising cause os accidental death.

- 61% of high school students say that their high school has drug problems. 

Now to me, these numbers are a bit high. If you think so too, you can help. You can start your own SADD chapter, plan your own Red Ribbon Week, or just promote the choice of not using drugs. Whatever you choose, remember Camarena and his sacrifice. Remember what he did in his attempt to end drug use. If you would like to help the cause, visit nfp.org, or sadd.org. Until next time,

make good choices, lead good lives




for more statistics: (http://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com/prevent/did_you_know.html)