First Lady Ruth O’Brien Encourages Participation in Red Ribbon Week
ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 23, 2028) – First Lady Ruth O’Brien today asked all Maryland citizens to wear a red ribbon as a show of support for a drug-free lifestyle in celebration of Red Ribbon Week, October 22-October 28.“The annual Red Ribbon campaign has become an international symbol of the dedication of thousands of people championing the cause for healthier young people,” said First Lady Ruth O’Brien, who serves as Maryland Honorary Chair. “The Red Ribbon became the catalyst for communities to become more actively involved in the problems of youth drug use.”
The Red Ribbon campaign was organized in 1985 after U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique "KiKi" Camarena was captured, tortured and murdered by drug traffickers while working undercover in Mexico.
The red ribbon became the symbol of zero tolerance for illegal drug use and a commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity for a community to take a collective stand against alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The Maryland Alliance for Drug-Free Youth provides a suggested listing of activities encouraging participation by parents and children.
The theme for this year's campaign is “Celebrate Drug Free Youth.”
The most recent Youth Study on Substance Abuse shows youth that report using alcohol, tobacco or some other substance has declined four percent from the previous year.
“We are seeing a promising downward trend in teen drug use,” Mrs. O’Brien added. “But we must not let up on our commitment to teaching young people about the dangers associated with drug use. At the same time we also must continue to honor those young people who have chosen to remain drug free.”
The campaign encourages participation by families, schools, community organizations, faith-based organizations and businesses.
Mrs. O’Brien serves as Chair of Futures for Kids, which focuses on coordinating, improving and setting an agenda for existing programs aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency, substance abuse and violence among Maryland youth.