This resolution supports the goals of Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31, 2025, by recognizing the importance of drug prevention education in combating the ongoing national drug overdose crisis.
Jake Ellzey
Representative
TX-6
This resolution supports the goals of Red Ribbon Week, observed annually from October 23rd through 31st, to promote drug prevention education and honor DEA Agent Enrique Camarena. It highlights the ongoing drug overdose crisis, particularly the threat of fentanyl, and encourages all Americans to commit to drug-free lifestyles. The bill urges public participation, such as wearing red ribbons and supporting prevention efforts, to build drug-free communities.
Resolution Backs Red Ribbon Week 2025: Focuses on Fentanyl Crisis and Safe Drug Disposal
This resolution isn't a new law; it’s a formal endorsement of the goals and ideals behind Red Ribbon Week, which runs from October 23 through October 31, 2025. Essentially, Congress is officially recognizing and promoting this annual drug prevention campaign. The core purpose is to honor the history of the Red Ribbon Campaign—which started after the 1985 murder of DEA Agent Enrique Kiki Camarena—and encourage everyone to participate in drug prevention education.
The Urgency Behind the Red Ribbon
While Red Ribbon Week has been around for decades, this resolution makes it clear why this awareness push is more critical than ever. It highlights the devastating reality that drug overdoses are the leading cause of death for people in the U.S. aged 18 to 45. Think about that: more young adults are dying from overdoses than from car crashes, firearms, or suicide. The resolution cites that over 80,000 people died from overdoses in 2024 alone, underscoring the scale of the public health emergency.
Fentanyl: The Silent Threat in Fake Pills
The text zeroes in on synthetic opioids, especially fentanyl. This is the part that hits close to home for parents and anyone with younger relatives. The resolution notes that fentanyl and its analogues caused over 48,000 deaths in 2024. Even more chilling, the DEA found that five out of every 10 fake pills they tested contained a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. This means a seemingly innocent pill bought online or from a friend could be lethal. By emphasizing these statistics, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the extreme danger of non-prescription pills.
Promoting Practical Prevention: Take Backs and Lock Ups
Beyond just awareness, the resolution encourages two very practical steps that affect every household. First, it acknowledges the importance of safely disposing of unused prescription drugs, which often lead to misuse or accidental poisoning. This supports efforts like the DEA's "Every Day is Take Back Day," where you can find drop-box locations for old meds. Second, it gives a nod to campaigns like the National Family Partnership’s "Lock Your Meds" initiative. For the average person, this means two things: check your medicine cabinet for expired painkillers and lock up anything you still need but aren't actively using. It’s a simple, low-cost action that can prevent tragedy in your own home.
A Call for Community Commitment
Ultimately, this resolution is a call to action, encouraging broad participation from schools, businesses, parents, and religious institutions. It asks people to wear red ribbons and light up buildings and landmarks from October 23rd to 31st to symbolize a commitment to drug-free lifestyles. Since this is a resolution and not a law, it doesn't mandate anything or allocate new funding. Instead, it serves as a powerful, official endorsement that reminds everyone—from the office worker to the construction crew—that reducing drug demand is a community effort necessary to combat the violence and lethal addictions tied to the current crisis.