Since its beginning in 1985, the red ribbon has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. In 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the red ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

Red Ribbon Week Resources

Below are links to multiple resources to assist schools in the educational fight against drugs. The first two links are to documentaries that highlight the impact of opioids on families and communities. 7 Days: The Opioid Crisis in Arkansas was produced via a partnership between the Arkansas Department of Education and Arkansas PBS. The second – Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict – was developed by the FBI and DEA and covers the epidemic on the national level.

In addition to these two documentaries, links to state and national resources are listed along with phone numbers and links to resources for addition, recovery, and support.

Note: The next Drug Take Back Day in Arkansas is scheduled for October 28, 2023. To learn more, visit https://artakeback.org/.

Documentary Resources