What are Red Ribbon Week Wristbands: Why and How They Started

Red Ribbon Week wristbands are a positive reminder for wearers that have pledged to live a drug-free lifestyle. Geared toward students, Red Ribbon Week has been nationally observed since 1988.^{1, 2} During the course of the week, students wear red wristbands to symbolize their pledge to stay smart, sober, and resist peer pressure. To help you with your Red Ribbon Week needs, we carry several different styles of ready-made wristbands and bracelets designed specifically for the occasion. You can also order custom wristbands that you can personalize with text and graphics specifically for Red Ribbon Week.

Who are Red Ribbon Week Wristbands For?

Red Ribbon Week Wristbands are commonly purchased for elementary school students, middle school students, and high school students. However, this does not mean you cannot purchase Red Ribbon Week wristbands for college students, girl or boy scout troops, or any other group of children. Teachers and administrators can also wear Red Ribbon Week wristbands along with their students so they can be a positive influence to the youth.

Why Did Red Ribbon Week Start?

Red Ribbon Week was started in response to the 1985 abduction and murder of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique S. "Kiki" Camarena. In response, the DEA launched an operation to investigate his death and bring the perpetrators to justice.³ A “Camarena Club” program was also launched in the weeks after his death, where members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor his sacrifice. As a part of the program, red ribbons were worn for one week in late October. Eventually, the Camarena Club program morphed to become the Red Ribbon campaign.³

When Are Red Ribbon Week Wristbands Worn?

Red Ribbon Week is always in October. Every year, schools participate in Red Ribbon Week and use wristbands as a simple-to-use reminder. They are an inexpensive and economical choice compared to t-shirts, sweatshirts, or other types of gifts you can give students to celebrate Red Ribbon Week. Silicone wristbands in particular are a trendy and fashionable choice. While only observed for a week, students can continue wearing them far longer as a constant reminder to live drug free.

Why Buy Red Ribbon Week Wristbands?

Teachers and parents that want to talk to their students or children about drug use but are not sure how to approach the subject can use the wristbands to bring up the subject. Students can wear their Red Ribbon Week wristbands home or to events outside of school so they can tell their friends, brothers, sisters, and peers about Red Ribbon Week. Those children can tell their teachers and teachers can go to their school principal and talk to them about starting a Red Ribbon Week program at their school too.

What Types of Wristbands Are Available for Red Ribbon Week?

For Red Ribbon Week, we offer wristbands with pre-designed “Drug Free” messaging on them, which you can see in our Red Ribbon Week Wristbands collection. If you want something more customized, you can create your own Tyvek, vinyl, plastic, silicone, or even woven wristbands for the week. For tips on how to make the best Red Ribbon Week wristbands, see our article on wristband customization.

Sources

1. https://www.dea.gov/redribbon/RedRibbon_history.shtml
2. http://www.redribbonresources.com/blog/the-origin-of-red-ribbon-week/
3. https://www.dea.gov/about/history/1985-1990.pdf