In 1985 DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was kidnapped and murdered by a Mexican drug cartel. In a grassroots tribute the kids in his hometown Calexico CA. started the Red Ribbon Program, which has grown to be the nation's oldest and largest drug use prevention/awareness program and is now celebrated by millions of kids and their families the last week of October every year! In this episode, Jodie is joined by Sean Fearns from the DEA. They explain the importance of conversations with kids about drugs, community influence, and ideas for student buy-in. Tune in as Sean shares resources to be part of the solution.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [04:44] How can parents and educators get involved
• [10:22] Red Ribbon Week is a good conversation starter for parents to talk with their kids about drugs
• [12:43] Where to find the Red Ribbon Tool Kit
• [14:41] How Red Ribbon is incorporated into DEA and other partners
• [17:59] How civil organizations and individuals can reach out to DEA to get involved

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Parents, Educators, and other community organizations/ individuals all play an important part in drug prevention.
• Red Ribbon is beneficial for all communities because it is broad with drugs and then conversations can be tailored to local concerns.
• There are multiple resources available for parents, educators, and other individuals/ organizations who wish to help.

***DISCLAIMER***The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Awkward Conversation series are solely those of the individuals, speakers, commentators, experts, and or hosts involved and do not necessarily reflect nor represent those of the production, associates or broadcaster, or any of its employees. Production is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in the series available for viewing. The primary purpose of this series is to educate and inform. This series does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. This series is available for private, non-commercial use only. The production, broadcaster, or its channel cannot be held accountable for all or any views expressed during this program.

Resources:

Red Ribbon Week Toolkit

Just Think Twice

Operation Prevention

Email: [email protected]

Growing Up Drug-Free: A Parent's Guide to Substance Use Prevention

One Pill Could Kill

Never Thought I'd Say This Podcast with Jodie Sweetin

Get Smart About Drugs Website

Elks Kid Zone Website

Elks Drug Awareness Program Website

Elks DAP on Twitter

Elks DAP on Facebook

Elks DAP on YouTube

DEA Website

DEA on Instagram

DEA on Twitter

DEA on Facebook

DEA YouTube Channel

Watch Awkward Conversations Season 1 the series:

Awkward Breakfast Conversations - Ep. 1

Awkward Lunch Conversations - Ep. 2

Awkward Dinner Conversations - Ep. 3

Bios:

Jodie Sweetin

Jodie Sweetin is an American actress and television personality known for her role as Stephanie Tanner in the ABC comedy series Full House and its Netflix sequel series Fuller House. Jodie is joined by Content Expert Amy McCarthy, a Senior Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital.

Sean T. Fearns

Chief, Community Outreach Section

Office of Congressional & Public Affairs

Drug Enforcement Administration

Sean Fearns serves as the Chief of Community Outreach and Prevention Support for DEA since 2015, a position that includes management of the DEA Museum as well as the DEA Community Outreach and Prevention Support section. In this capacity Sean is responsible for guiding a diverse and creative staff to develop and implement strategic national partnerships with other organizations which help educate the public on the current drug threats facing the country, support the DEA field divisions, implement DEA's Operation Engage, communicate key Administration drug prevention messages, and help reduce the demand for those drugs.

About Elks

As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith-based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all-volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

About DEA

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA is tasked with enforcing the controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective anti-drug organization in the world, with 239 domestic locations and 91 foreign offices in 68 countries.