The Red Ribbon Campaign is observed nationwide in October as a result of a drug enforcement administration agent’s death in 1985.

Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was undercover investigating drug traffickers in Mexico for more than four years before being captured, tortured, and eventually killed at the age of 37. He was on his way to meet his wife, Geneva “Mika” Camarena for lunch. His death prompted friends and neighbors to wear red satin ribbons in his honor, which are still worn today to represent the cause.

In 1987, three years after his death, the National Family Partnership organized the first Red Ribbon Campaign. Red Ribbon Week, the official commemoration of the event, occurs from Oct. 23-31. However, Guam celebrates it throughout the month of October.

In Guam, drug and alcohol abuse is a significant problem for the island community. Statistics from the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center reported that one in five youth is a smoker; one in three smoke marijuana, one in seven binge drink, and about three percent of high school students have used methamphetamine. Additionally, one in four deaths by suicide were linked to alcohol, while seven percent involved other drugs.

The theme for this year’s Red Ribbon Campaign was “Respect Yourself – Be Drug Free.” The community outreach event held at Micronesia Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featured various booths as well as entertainment such as a live performance by local band The John Dank Show. Some of the organizations present at the community outreach were the Guam National Guard, Guam Chamber of Commerce, and Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency. Each booth had poster boards and pamphlets discussing the dangers of substance abuse, preventive measures, and how to live a drug-free lifestyle.

Entries for the school drawing, video, and gate/wall contests were displayed. The gate/wall contest entries had paper votes to determine a winner. The Red Ribbon Committee selected Untalan Middle School as the first place winners of the video contest, followed by John F. Kennedy and George Washington High School as second and third places, respectively.

At a later date, the Say Boo to Drugs event was held at Agana Shopping Center on Oct. 30 is where contestants were given prizes, trophies, and certificates for their efforts.

There was an opening address by Lieutenant Governor Raymond “Ray” Tenorio, as well as closing remarks by Guam U.S. Attorney Alicia Limtiaco. Limtiaco agreed that Guam does have a problem with drug and alcohol abuse, and law enforcement cannot be the only one to deal with such behaviors. According to her, a community-level effort is required to solve this national and island wide problem.

The Red Ribbon Campaign aims to help minimize youth exposure to drugs and assist youth who are victims of substance abuse. Strategic prevention, such as outreach in schools by the National Guard Counterdrug Program, leave a lasting impression on the youth to make good decisions in their daily lives.