Washington has been highlighting Red Ribbon Week in a big way.

Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon campaign has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. In response to the torture and murder of Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena by the Mexican drug cartel, 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 sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration by embracing DEA Agent Camerena’s belief that one person can make a difference and adopted the symbol of Camarena’s memory, the Red Ribbon. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities, throughout the country, and right here in Warren County.

Red Ribbon Week ran from October 23rd through the 31st, with the Warren Hills region spreading a message through the community about the importance of living above the influence of drugs and alcohol to secure a positive future.

The Warren Hills Community Coalition, which is part of the Family Guidance Center’s Prevention Connections program, held various events during the week. Staff, volunteers and members of the Washington Township Police Department began the week by hanging Red Ribbons on all of the Downtown Washington trees. Some local businesses also participated by hanging red ribbons in their store windows.

Each ribbon has a card in the middle that explains what the ribbons stand for.

In other related activities, the Warren County Youth Coalition decorated the organization’s Belvidere Avenue’s front window. They also helped to hand out over 800 red ribbon pins in their schools.

Additionally, over 1,300 letters were distributed to every 8^th grader in Warren County. These letters explain how Red Ribbon week came about and the story behind it. The letter also suggested some activities for students to do during the week.

The Coalition is also assisting Warren Hills Regional High School start a stigma free group.  Students also had a door decorating contest at the high school. Oxford Central did the same, as well.  Finally, the Coalition handed out information packets to Oxford students and attended their Anti-Bullying assembly.

The Family Guidance Center is a private, non-profit community behavioral health care agency that provides a broad range of mental health and substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery services to individuals and families living in Warren County. Founded in 1955, the center is dedicated to improving the quality of life of children and adults affected by problems related to mental illness, substance abuse, family conflict or emotional adjustment.

For more information about Red Ribbon Week and the Warren Hills Community Coalition contact Jenna Stoner, at jstoner@fgcwc.org.