Drug education and prevention is the goal of Red Ribbon Week in Nebraska. Emily Murray with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Division tells KLIN News agents will be visiting schools across the state to stress to students the dangers of drug use. She says they have begun reaching students in kindergarten and 1st grade.
“We start with a conversation about the difference between candy and medicine and knowing what the difference is and talking to a trusted adult before taking anything and putting it into your body.” For older kids they give them more information about different drugs they see on the streets and what the consequences are for taking some of the drugs that are out there.
Murray says there are also using their One Pill Can Kill campaign to warn kids that counterfeit prescription painkillers laced with potentially deadly amounts of fentanyl are on the streets and the DEA and its law enforcement partners are seizing deadly fake pills at record rates.
Murray says they also tell kids that the only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program, occurring annually in October. Red Ribbon Week began following the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was tortured and murdered in 1985 by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. After Camarena’s death, people began wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Today, millions of people celebrate Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, participating in community anti-drug events and pledging to live drug-free lives.
The DEA has resources available at www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov and www.JustThinkTwice.gov for individuals interested in learning more about how to start a conversation with a family member or friend about the dangers of drugs.