Oct 23-Oct 31
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Oct 23-Oct 31 〰️
The Story of Enrique “Kiki” Camerena
Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was born on July 26, 1947, in Mexicali, Mexico. After graduating from Calexico High School, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and working in law enforcement, he joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in 1974. He later moved to Mexico, where he spent more than four years investigating major drug traffickers. On February 7, 1985, Camarena was kidnapped while on his way to lunch with his wife, Mika, as he was nearing the discovery of a major drug trafficking operation.
In honor of Camarena and his fight against illegal drugs, communities began wearing red ribbons to remember his sacrifice and promote drug prevention. In 1988, the National Family Partnership launched the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon Campaign encourages children, families, and communities to educate young people about the dangers of drugs and reminds everyone that one person can make a difference.
Healthy kids grow healthy communities.
Reducing substance use in youth
Nashua Prevention Coalition has been working to prevent and reduce substance use in youth throughout Nashua since 2009. In 2013, we were awarded a 5-year Drug-Free Communities Grant from the United States Office of National Drug Control Policy, in cooperation with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. We are a proud fiscal agency of the United Way of Greater Nashua. We were just awarded another 5 years of funding in 2018 to continue our prevention efforts in Nashua.
Collaborating with organizations and individuals
We collaborate with organizations and individuals from several sectors to enhance our impact, including: youth, media, parents, schools, businesses, law enforcement, state/local/tribal government agencies, youth serving organizations, religious/fraternal organizations, healthcare professionals, civic/volunteer groups and other substance abuse organizations.
“United Way is delighted to be a partner in the tremendous work of the prevention coalition. As fiscal agent, we see the coalition’s work as highly aligned with our mission of supporting initiatives which promote health in our community.”
— Michael Apfelberg, The United Way of Greater Nashua