Red Ribbon Week highlights dangers of drug abuse Published Oct. 20, 2010 By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- National Red Ribbon Week kicks off Oct. 23 with the theme: "I Am Drug Free: Lock Your Meds." Red Ribbon Week takes place Oct. 23-31 to educate families on the dangers of drug use. This year's campaign focuses heavily on the dangers associated with children having easy access to both non-prescription and prescription drugs in their own homes. "It's important for families to start talking with their children about the dangers of drug use as early as possible," said Carrie Payne, 375th Medical Operations Squadron Drug Demand Reduction Program Manager. "Some families may not realize how young children are when they start experimenting with drugs. Therefore, when we start talking to our children while they are still young, we are essentially helping them develop strategies to resist any attempts of others who would try to entice them into trying one pill or taking one puff." The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows the overall rate of current illicit drug use in the U.S. rose from 8 percent of the population aged 12 and older in 2008 to 8.7 percent in 2009. "One of the reasons cited in part is because of weakening attitudes and perceptions about the harm of drug use," said Ms. Payne. "It's important to talk to your children often, not just this week." The annual observance began after the death of a Drug Enforcement Administration agent in 1985 while undercover in Mexico. Following his death, the red ribbon was adopted as a symbol of remembrance and the Red Ribbon Campaign was created shortly after by the National Family Partnership, which was created in 1980 by parents across the U.S. to combat the rising level of youth drug use. More information about the Red Ribbon Week campaign can be found online at www.nfp.org and www.lockyourmeds.org.