Individuals that are gay report lower levels of parental closeness, elevated rates of parental abuse, abandonment, and societal discrimination.  Surveys thus show increased risk of using drugs, tobacco, vaping, and alcohol. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

National Family Partnership, formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, was established as a grassroots, nonprofit organization in 1980 by a handful of concerned and determined parents who were convinced they should begin to play a leadership role in drug prevention...NFP provides drug awareness by sponsoring the annual National Red Ribbon Campaign™." (Red Ribbon Campaign)

Origins: “Enrique ’Kiki’ Camarena was a special agent who worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration. In 1985, he was kidnapped by drug traffickers in Guadalajara, Mexico. His murder and death brought anger to the community and was a catalyst for the Red Ribbon Campaign. Together in Kiki’s honor, parents and youth in communities nationwide began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness around his killing and the destruction caused by drugs in America.

In 1985, club members presented the ’Camarena Club Proclamation’ to then First Lady Nancy Reagan, bringing it national attention. Later that summer, parent groups in California, Illinois, and Virginia began promoting the wearing of red ribbons nationwide during late October.” (“The History of Red Ribbon Week”)

Visit the NFP website to get resources and activities for students, parents, educators, business leaders, faith based leaders, government representatives, law enforcement, media leaders, and the medical community.

Discover more about living healthy, wellness, drug information, services, and research at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Also, LCROC provides a list of trusted helplines and resources to support members.