United States Drug Enforcement Administration

OMAHA, Nebraska— The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is kicking off Red Ribbon Week, Friday, October 23, with multiple buildings and bridges across the five state Omaha Division lighting up red to recognize the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program. 

Red Ribbon Week began following the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who was murdered in 1985 by drug traffickers he was investigating in Mexico. After Kiki’s death, people began wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Today, millions of people across the nation celebrate Red Ribbon Week by wearing red ribbons, participating in community anti-drug events and pledging to live drug-free lives.

“Red Ribbon Week is a time when we remember Kiki and the sacrifice he made by doing his job to keep drugs out of our communities,” Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Richard Salter Jr., said. “One of the best ways we can commemorate Kiki is to get into our communities and offer drug education programs to our students.  If we’re able to stop at least one child from choosing a path that leads to a life of drugs and possible death, I consider that a success.”

In recognition of Red Ribbon Week, which runs October 23-31, several landmarks in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota will light up red to bring awareness to living a drug-free life.  Communities across the nation are encouraged to Go Red for Red Ribbon by lighting up classrooms, offices, libraries and other locations in red using red bulbs, gel filters or red balloons and decorations. 

Participants can post Go Red for Red Ribbon photos on social media using the hashtags #DEARedRibbon and #GoRed4RedRibbon.  A list of locations in the Omaha Division lighting red during Red Ribbon Week is listed below.

To speak with someone about the possibility of hosting a Red Ribbon Week event at your school, please contact Public Information Officer Emily Murray at 571-387-3545.

Iowa

Davenport Sky Bridge (Davenport, Iowa)

Sioux City, City Hall (Sioux City, Iowa)

Vue Rooftop (Iowa City, Iowa)

Minnesota

Enger Tower (Duluth, Minnesota)

France Avenue Lights (Edina, Minnesota)

35 West Bridge (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

100 and 111 Washington Square (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Lowry Avenue Bridge (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Sperry Tower (Eagen, Minnesota)

Nebraska

Woodmen Tower (Omaha, Nebraska)

South Dakota

The Corn Palace (Mitchell, South Dakota)