Red Ribbon Week is Oct 25, 2021 – Friday, Oct 29, 2021. Ms. Clemmons, the Lead Prevention Specialist at The Ft. Worth Drug Recovery Council,  spoke to newspaper students about the origins of Red Ribbon Week. Ms. Clemmons focused on the value that each person has and focus on reminding themselves of that. 

Origin of Red Ribbon Week 

Ms. Clemmons spoke to the students about the story of  “Kiki” Enrique Camarena Salazar was an American intelligence officer for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, a U.S. soldier who was captured and killed by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico.

This horrible loss caused the fight against drugs in the United States. People started wearing red ribbons to honor Kiki’s sacrifice. Students were shown a presentation and videos on how to help a friend who is struggling with addiction and how easily it can happen to you or someone you care about.

 Brief interview 

Karalyn: What are some signs to look for if someone is struggling with addiction?

Clemmons: “Change in behavior, interests, loss of items, withdrawal, depression, and anxiety.. Ask if they are okay”.

Kat:How do you have an intervention with someone without making the situation worse?

Clemmons: “Don’t attack them verbally let them know you love and are there for them.”  

Clemmon’s quotes 

“A mindset about making good choices is learning to like and love yourself and having a sense of loyalty to others you have a purpose in life.”

“Red ribbon week is a mindset.”

“Saying no is not enough.”

“Those people who are pressuring you into using drugs are called ‘dream snatchers’.They want to snatch your dreams.”

“You are enough, you do not need drugs or alcohol.”