Red Ribbon Week was created following the kidnapping and death of DEA Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in Mexico in 1985. In honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. In 1988, The National Family Partnership, inspired by Camarena's belief that one person can make a difference, adopted the symbol of Camarena’s memory and sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. 

Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children and families. The National Family Partnership and its network of individuals and organizations continue to deliver his message of hope to millions of people every year, through the National Red Ribbon Campaign™.