United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LIBERTY HILL, TX. – On Saturday, October 5, 2019, over 100 Girls Scouts from the Austin metropolitan area, ages 8-17, will earn their Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Red Ribbon Patch by completing stations to include Escape Room, Rock Climbing Wall, Dunk-a-Cop, Drunk Goggles, K-9 demo, Fingerprinting, and Healthy/Unhealthy Match Game. Additionally, Texas National Guard is conducting a helicopter fly-in and flyovers. News outlets are invited to report on activities.

WHAT: GIRL SCOUT RED RIBBON PATCH DAY

WHEN: Saturday, October 5, 2019, 1pm- 3pm

WHERE: RockPointe Church Liberty Hill Campus, 170 County Road 214, Liberty Hill, Texas

WHO: Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas National Guard Joint Counter Drug Task Force, Lifesteps Coalition, Pacesetter K9, Liberty Hill Ladybug Girl Scouts

WHY: The DEA Red Ribbon Patch Program is designed to provide Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts the opportunity to earn a patch from DEA by performing anti-drug abuse education activities to commemorate Red Ribbon Month. This initiative seeks to empower young people to create, embrace, and strengthen their belief in remaining free from drugs of abuse.

Red Ribbon programs in October raise awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs facing our community, and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.

In 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.

Research shows children are less likely to use alcohol and other drugs when parents and other role models are clear and consistent in their opposition to drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs.

Visit GetSmartAboutDrugs.com for more information about Red Ribbon or contact Resident Agent in Charge Tim Davis at 571-324-8045.