United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CHICAGO – As part of a pledge to live drug free, several iconic buildings visible along the Chicago skyline, including Willis Tower, Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower, Prudential Plaza and 875 North Michigan will illuminate red lighting and display messaging in support of Red Ribbon Week on Saturday, Oct. 23.

“It’s an honor for the DEA to have several of Chicago’s landmark buildings show their support for Red Ribbon Week,” said Robert J. Bell, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Chicago Division. “Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community.”

Celebrated annually from Oct. 23-31, 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.

“BOMA/Chicago’s building lighting program, Illuminate Chicago, was created over a decade ago to coordinate building lighting opportunities to support civic and charitable causes,” said Farzin Parang, Executive Director of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago (BOMA/Chicago), the trade association representing Chicago's world-class commercial office buildings. “BOMA/Chicago is honored to light up the skyline red in support of Red Ribbon Week to broaden awareness about the benefits of living a drugfree life.”

During Red Ribbon Week, young people in communities across the nation pledge to live a drug-free lifestyle by wearing red ribbons and participating in anti-drug events. Red Ribbon Week offers a great opportunity for parents, teachers, educators and community organizations to raise awareness about substance abuse.

The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. The 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.

For more information on how you can participate in Red Ribbon Week activities throughout your community, visit www.redribbon.org.