Red Ribbon Week
How a tribute became a movement

Red Ribbon Week is an important tradition for the drug prevention community, and especially for the DEA. The event that has become a national symbol of drug prevention, began as a grassroots tribute to a fallen DEA hero, Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.

Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out it. "I can't not do this," he told her. "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference."

The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico investigating
a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37-year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five men appeared at the agent's side and shoved him in a car. One month later, Camarena's body was found in a shallow grave. He had been tortured to death.

Within weeks of his death, Camarena's Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs. Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifices made by Camarena and others on behalf of all Americans. To honor his memory, friends and neighbors began to wear red ribbons. Many of these coalitions adopted this symbol and embraced Camarena's belief that one person can make a difference.

The National Family Partnership organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988. The U.S. Congress quickly rallied to this cause, with Nancy Reagan as the first honorary chairperson. Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena's memory and further the cause for which he gave his life.

By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their opposition to drugs. They pay homage not only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation's struggle against drug trafficking and abuse.

Each year, Recovery & Prevention Resources, with The Red Ribbon Planning Committee of Delaware County, holds a Red Ribbon Rally helping to promote drug-free leisure activities. We ask local agencies, organizations and individuals to help us by providing activity tables that target children in age from 5 to 10 years old.

Click here for photos from the most recent rally

If you would like to reserve an area for a table at our next rally, please submit this form on the web or print this form and return it to:


If you are an educator, you can find additional links and materials for Red Ribbon Week on our Resources for Educators page.