Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson has declared Oct. 23-31 “Red Ribbon Week,” a time that encourages communities to take a visible stance against substance abuse.

During Red Ribbon Week, local residents can show their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle by wearing a red ribbon.

The Red Ribbon Campaign started as a response to the torture and murder of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985 in Mexico City. After his death, the National Family Partnership began the continuing tradition of displaying red ribbons as a symbol of intolerance toward drug use.

The week will culminate with an awareness walk at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 in downtown Boone, coordinated by Western Youth Network. The walk will begin at the Watauga County Public Library and make a loop on King Street. Participants are invited to wear red to the event.

For more information, call (828) 264-5174.