What is Red Ribbon Week?

The Red Ribbons we wear during this celebration are a symbol of unity against the illegal use of drugs.  This public display came about in response to the tragic 1985 murder of Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique Camarena while he was investigating Mexican drug traffickers.  At that time, angry parent groups and others began wearing red ribbons to take a public stand against the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and to show their support for drug-free youth and to honor Agent Camarena’s ultimate sacrifice in the battle against illegal drugs.

The Red Ribbon Week Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23rd – 31st each year, helping us to empower our youth to make healthy lifestyle choices.  This Campaign is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs and to show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon.  Countywide activities will be occurring during this week to spread the No Drugs message.  By joining our efforts, we together can make great strides in empowering and supporting our youth during this campaign.

What is “Plant-the-Promise”?

During Red Ribbon Week schools, businesses, families and youth across America will plant bulbs that will bloom into vibrant red tulips and will serve as a reminder to stay drug-free and to continue to make Healthy Lifestyle Choices.  In Onondaga County the Syracuse/Onondaga Drug-Free Coalition will be providing red tulip bulbs to schools and community agencies to plant in all areas of the county.  We will be tracking the plantings in order to celebrate the “red” in April 2007.  Most bulbs that are planted during October will bloom in April, during National Alcohol Awareness Month.

April 2008 Tulips in Bloom around Onondaga County!