Red Ribbon Week began after DEA Agent Enrique Camarena was kidnapped and murdered while working undercover in Guadalajara, Mexico on February 7, 1985. The events that followed Agent Camarena's abduction exposed the violence and corruption associated with drug trafficking and citizens throughout the United States could no longer turn away. In Agent Camarena's home town of Calexico, CA, community members joined together to demand an increase in prevention and early intervention efforts, wearing Red Ribbons in Agent Camarena's honor. By 1988, Red Ribbon Week became a national campaign. Today, it is the most celebrated alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign!

Irvine Community Drug Prevention (ICDP) has coordinated Red Ribbon Week in Irvine since 1987. Our school and community based campaign engages students, teachers, parents and other adults in activities that raise awareness regarding alcohol, tobacco, other drug and violence prevention.

If you would like to host a Red Ribbon Community Activity in Irvine, please let us know. Call 949-502-7921