Grand Traverse County Schools Recognize National Red Ribbon Week

National Red Ribbon Week is observed annually from October 23–31. The history of Red Ribbon Week dates back to 1985, when Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was working in Mexico to investigate major marijuana and cocaine trafficking operations. Camarena was close to exposing a multibillion-dollar drug trafficking operation when he was kidnapped on February 7, 1985, and murdered. His body was discovered on March 5, 1985. He was 37 years old and left behind a wife and three children.

Shortly after Camarena’s death, a congressman and a high school friend helped launch Camarena Clubs in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California. Hundreds of club members, students, and teachers at Calexico High School wore red ribbons and pledged to live drug-free lives to honor Camarena and others who had made sacrifices in the fight against drugs. The Red Ribbon campaign eventually gained momentum throughout California and later spread across the United States.

Today, schools and communities across the country participate in National Red Ribbon Week by hosting prevention activities, wearing red ribbons, and encouraging individuals to make healthy, drug-free choices. The week serves as an opportunity to honor Camarena’s legacy while raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention.

In Grand Traverse County, Up North Prevention connected with hundreds of students at Traverse City West Senior High School and Kingsley High School during Red Ribbon Week. Prevention staff shared educational resources, distributed Red Ribbon Week materials, and encouraged students to make healthy, drug-free choices.