Pueblo Public Schools kick-off ‘Reb Ribbon Week’
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO)-- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is visiting several southern Colorado schools this week to discuss the importance of saying no to drugs.
This visit coincides with the kick-off of Red Ribbon week in Pueblo.
Four different agencies gathered on Tuesday at Vineland Elementary School to talk to kids about the dangers of drugs and how they can celebrate life drug-free.
"They get to see some soldiers, we have the fire department out here, sometimes we have police, so it's kind of like show and tell with a message," said Public Information Officer for Rocky Mountain Division of the DEA, Steve Kotecki.
The DEA's goal is to limit the number of youth overdoses in the United States.
"With today's society, there are a growing number of overdoses and drug uses so it's more important than ever to emphasize to students of being drug-free and to be smart and make good choices," said Principal of Vineland Elementary, Victoria Padilla.
Kotecki said the DEA is always working to inform children at as early an age as possible.
"If they know about the dangers at this young age like kindergarten, preschool, or first grade, the sooner they know the sooner they're equipped to handle those dangers," Kotecki said.
"You never know what someone's home life is like. Maybe they don't have that positive role model, so we are really out here trying to do that for them," added Senior Listed Advisor for the Colorado Drug Task Force, David Ceja.
Red Ribbon Week was created more than 30 years ago in honor of special agent Kiki Camarena, who was murdered by a drug cartel in 1985.
Since then, the DEA along with other front-line members has attended thousands of schools, educating kids along the way.
"Our goal is to hit as many communities every other year," added Ceja.
Leaders from the DEA and the three other agencies hope to hit 34 other schools by the end of Red Ribbon Week and continue to spread the positive message.
