Red Ribbon week aims to stop drug abuse

by SEPP JANNOTTA - Ravalli Republic



In the annals of the so-called war on drugs, the story of Special Agent Enriqué “Kiki” Camarena highlights the risks taken by those working the frontlines.

While working undercover for the United State Drug Enforcement Administration, Camarena was kidnapped, tortured and killed by members of a Mexican drug cartel he was investigating.

National Red Ribbon Week, a 20-year-old drug prevention campaign started in Camarena’s honor, sets the focus of the drug war on putting kids on the right path.

“It’s really been a national movement,” said Faylee Favara, prevention specialist at Western Montana Addiction Services. “And we join in to honor those who’ve passed away, as well as those who are just committed to the prevention of drug use, especially among our youth.”
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Giving kids the tools to make better decisions and thereby reducing the demand for illegal drugs is a fitting memorial to Camarena and others who have sacrificed in the effort to staunch the flow of illegal drugs, Favara said.

Favara said Western Montana Addiction Services (WMAS) will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week with several events in Ravalli County this week.

For starters, WMAS is offering a Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service class today from 9 a.m. to noon at 209 N. 10th St. in Hamilton.

Favara will also be visiting a couple of Ravalli County schools to show videos from the “Natural High” series, a prevention movie that has respected athletes and celebrities touting a message about making healthy choices.