Red Ribbon Week happens every year. We see red ribbons and special activities in schools. But why all the red?
In 1985, A DEA Special Agent, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, gave his life combating drug trafficking. To honor his life, philosophy, and work, his family and colleagues wore red ribbons. His philosophy was "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference”. Parents and youth followed his philosophy and formed coalitions in their local communities wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment, and to raise awareness of the destruction cause by drugs in America. One such coalition, the National Family Partnership (NFP) was first formed by concerned parents and later chaired by First Lady Nancy Reagan. She sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration in 1988. Also in 1988, the first CA Tobacco legislation, Prop 99, was authored by Lloyd Connolly. It imposed a 25-cent tax increase on cigarette packs provided funding for tobacco education and started the California Tobacco Control Program (CTCP).
Today during Red Ribbon Week, we honor the work of Mr. Camarena, his life and philosophy; "I'm only one person, but I want to make a difference.” Thanks to Prop 99, Prop 56, CTCP, coalitions of concerned parents, community members and health organizations, we are now able to provide tobacco and drug prevention education in schools and our community.
This year, Red Ribbon Week is October 23-31, 2021. You can help make a difference by joining PATH, Partnership In Action For Trinity Health, and participating in the Red Ribbon Week events scheduled for this year.
Students in Trinity County are invited to enter the poster or video contests!
Poster Contest for 6-8th grades
Trinity County students in 6th through 8th grade are invited to submit a poster with the theme "Drug Free Looks Like Me." For more information and to submit your poster, click on Poster Contest Form.
Video Contest for 9-12th grades
Trinity County students in 9th-12th grade are invited to submit a 15 second video with the theme "Drug Free Looks Like Me." For more information and to submit your video, click on Video Contest Form.
Watch the Red Ribbon Educational Video
It includes data from our own Trinity County schools, short videos of local community members, and Trinity High School Friday Night Live student group showing the work they do to keep their school drug and tobacco free. The video will be shown in local schools to help spread the awareness of Red Ribbon Week.
Red Ribbon Week in Schools
Many local schools participate in Red Ribbon Week, with a variety of activities. Trinity High School Red Ribbon Week Activities include:
Dress up days: Monday wear Red, Tuesday wear class colors, Wednesday bring anything but backpacks, Thursday is twin day, Friday wear Costumes
Activities during Lunch each day: Monday - Chalk the walk, Tuesday - Tug of war, Wednesday – Red Light/Green light, Thursday - Egg toss, Friday - Balloon stomp
You can be a part of the local efforts all year by joining our local coalition, PATH, Partnership In Action For Trinity Health, working toward a healthier community. You may be only one person, but together, we can make a Healthy Trinity.
To join PATH, call Human Response Network at 530-623-2024 and ask for Karen or email tobaccofreetrinity@hrntrinity.org.
Keep up to date with our projects by liking PATH's Facebook page.
