United States Drug Enforcement Administration

WHAT:  The DEA and its partners, to include the Office of National Drug Control Policy, County of San Diego Department of Health and Human Services Agency and San Diego County Marijuana Prevention Initiative, will discuss the emerging public health threat of marijuana vaping.  

The press event will be followed by the 16th Annual Red Ribbon awards ceremony and luncheon, which will be attended by 230 law enforcement, government officials, experts in prevention, civic and business leaders, and educators to honor and award San Diego County individuals and organizations for their outstanding substance abuse prevention endeavors. The event will be hosted by Marc Bailey.  The keynote speaker will be Alex Berenson.

WHEN: Friday, November 1, 2019 – Press Event: 10:30am; Awards Ceremony: 12:00pm

           

WHERE: The Sheraton Mission Valley, 1433 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108

 

WHY:  Our nation has seen a dramatic increase in vaping-related illnesses, specifically the vaping of marijuana concentrates.  DEA and its partners will discuss this emerging public health threat and what is being done to combat it.
 

Sparked by the murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena by drug traffickers, the national Red Ribbon Campaign was created in 1986 to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. Each year from October 23rd to October 31st thousands of schools, communities and drug abuse prevention organizations throughout the country participate in drug prevention events and distribute red ribbons to honor Special Agent Camarena’s legacy and visibly show a dedication to be drug free.
 

The awards are as follows (winner’s names are announced at the event):

 

The Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Law Enforcement Award is presented to one individual serving in the law enforcement community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty within their community to promote prevention and exemplifies the spirit of fallen Special Agent Camarena. 

 

Outstanding Prevention Program Award is presented to an individual or program that assists with the prevention of substance abuse by youth in our communities.

 

Excellence in Prevention Advocacy is presented to a person who has demonstrated excellence in leadership of sustained advocacy and promotion of prevention policies.       
 

The Frank Goldsmith Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has been recognized in the field of prevention and exemplifies a healthy drug-free lifestyle.

 

WHO:            Colin Ruane, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA San Diego

                        Roneet Lev, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Office of National Drug Control Policy

            Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H, Health Officer & Director, County of San Diego Health

& Human Services Agency

                        Joe Eberstein, Program Manager, San Diego County Marijuana Prevention Initiative

                        Alex Berenson, Investigative Journalist and Former New York Times Reporter

                                   

DETAILS:     No RSVP necessary to attend the press event.  RSVP for the luncheon has closed, but the award ceremony can be viewed at no cost.  Ample on-site parking is available.

 

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