14th Annual Red Ribbon Week

October 20 - October 26, 2008

What are you doing to celebrate? Please let us know!

What is Red Ribbon Week?

On February 7, 1985, DEA Agent Enrique Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch.  Five men appeared at the agent’s side and shoved him into his car.  One month later, Camarena’s body was found in a shallow grave.  He had been tortured to death.  From this tragedy, and in honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, Red Ribbon Week was born.

The red ribbon has been designated as the symbol of intolerance of illegal drug use and a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.  It is now an ongoing national campaign with the last week in October being designated as Red Ribbon Week.

RAYSAC (Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition) and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare are excited to sponsor Red Ribbon Week in the Roanoke Valley as a way to demonstrate our commitment to a drug free community.

Red Ribbon Week in the Roanoke Valley includes best school spirit competition and poster and essay contests.

Red Ribbon Week Events