COUNTY — Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated in schools across the country since 1985.

Enrique (Kiki) Camarena was a Drug Enforcement Administration agent who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. When he decided to join the DEA, his mother tried to talk him out of it.

“I’m only one person, but I want to make a difference,” he told her.

Many across the country started wearing red satin ribbons in honor of Camarena and his battle against illegal drugs. In 1988, the National Family Partnership sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Campaign, an initiative that has taken place every year during the week of Oct. 24-31 since 1988 to honor the memory of Kiki Camarena.

Every year, the Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County Youth Board works to raise awareness about substance abuse in the community. Their efforts during Red Ribbon Week are particularly focused on elementary-aged children.

This year, the Youth Board, along with the Steppin’ It Up Coalition, will be hosting a Drugs are Despicable Family Movie Night at the Central-Clemson Recreation Department on Monday, Oct. 24, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The movie “Despicable Me” will be shown, and Youth Board members will perform a skit to raise awareness about substance abuse.

This is a free event that is open to the public. If you have any questions about the event, contact prevention specialist and Youth Board coordinator Jessica Gibson at (864)898-5800.