Recognizing Red Ribbon Week - October 23-31, 2018

Benton Community invites the school community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23-31, 2018. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our communities, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles. Red Ribbon Week is a reminder of the importance in bringing together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for ways to keep kids and communities drug free.

In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities. 

Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community.  Research shows that children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs.