The Red Ribbon Campaign was started after drug traffickers in Mexico City kidnapped and murdered American Drug Enforcement, agent Kiki Camarena, in 1985 while he was investigating a major drug cartel.

In honor of Camarena's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. This grew into a national campaign against drugs when former First Lady Nancy Reagan recognized these efforts at a national conference of parents combating youth drug use.  

The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign, which is now sponsored by the National Family Partnership, is to raise awareness of the need for alcohol, tobacco, drug, and violence prevention programs to keep young people safe and healthy, as well as to preserve the memory of Kiki Camerena.