Utica, NY – The Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) celebrates National Red Ribbon Week, which is celebrated annually October 23-31, is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. Red Ribbon Week was started after the death of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who in 1985 was brutally tortured and murdered by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. As a tribute to SA Camarena, high school friend, Henry Lozano and Congressman Duncan Hunter, created “Camarena Clubs” and the wearing of a red ribbon to show their oppositions to drugs.
CFLR Prevention specialists are embedded in many local schools in Oneida County and will be providing education around the Red Ribbon Week mission and theme, as well substance use education and providing students with the opportunity to sign personal pledges to be drug free. In most of these schools, “wear RED days” will honor National Red Ribbon Week. In all the schools where CFLR staff work, resources will be provided to parents on their virtual platform and, in some schools, spirit weeks are planned where students will dress up based on special themes of the day. In one elementary school, daily announcements focused on Red Ribbon Week will happen Monday, October 23 – 27 and will engage students in coloring pages that are based on the Red Ribbon theme of the year, “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.™”
The 2023 National Red Ribbon Week Theme, “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free™” 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! Celebrate Red Ribbon Week in your community or your child’s school and raise awareness of living a drug free life. Take the opportunity to talk to your kids about drugs.
Center for Family Life and Recovery, Inc. is proud to be the area’s leading expert in advocacy, prevention, counseling, and employee assistance programs. Along with supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction and recovery, mental health, and behavioral issues, CFLR’s goal is to inspire hope, provide help, promote wellness, and transform lives. To learn more, visit www.whenthereshelpthereshope.com
