City of Chicago skyline lit red in support of Red Ribbon Week and DEA’s 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24, 2020
CHICAGO – Robert J. Bell, Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Chicago Division, announces the Red Ribbon Celebration during the week of October 23-31, which coincides with DEA’s 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24, 2020. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and encourages parents, educators, business owners, and community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
The Chicago skyline will be lit-up red during Red Ribbon Week. This is the first time, in recent memory, the Chicago skyline will be lit-up red in support of Red Ribbon Week. “Red Ribbon Week encourages Chicagoland families to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said DEA SAC Bell. “I encourage everyone to speak to your children, family and friends about the dangers of illegal drug abuse and the misuse of addictive prescription drugs that can be lethal in very small amounts.”
The rates of prescription opioid drug misuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these potent and addictive medications. Studies show that a majority of misused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets. On Saturday, October 24, 2020, the DEA will hold its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. Information about DEA’s Take Back drop-off locations is available at www.deatakeback.com. The National Prescription Drug Take Back initiative aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means to dispose of prescription drugs, while educating the general public about the potential for misuse of medications and addiction.
DEA’s Red Ribbon Week is the oldest and largest drug abuse prevention awareness program in the nation. It started after the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico in 1985. After his death, thousands wore red ribbons to honor his sacrifice. Today, millions of Americans all over the United States wear red ribbons to symbolize a united, drug-free nation.
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