You might remember them as the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, from back in the 1980s, but today, the renamed National Family Partnership continues its work to support families and communities “in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug free youth.”

Among the efforts supported by the organization is National Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31 each year, and established to honor the memory of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed, likely because of his work, in 1985.

At the time, according to the organization, “In honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin.”

Today the observance has grown to include participation in classrooms across the country.

At Blennerhassett Middle School last week, students were joined by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who reminded them they are not alone in their effort to help their fellow students remain drug-free and healthy.

Highlighting the West Virginia First Foundation, he maintained “that program is tackling the tough parts of the drug epidemic by focusing on supply, demand and prevention issues.”

Meanwhile, in places such as Highland County, Ohio, commissioners are encouraging all citizens, schools, businesses, organizations and agencies to join in raising awareness and standing beside our youth and working together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a healthy, safe and strong environment,” according to an excerpt from a proclamation reported by The Highland County Press.

In Jefferson County, Ohio, WTOV reported agencies came together to mark the week and include a celebration of those in recovery.

“It really does take a group effort because it affects every aspect of someone’s life, really — every aspect,” said Michelle Miller, a judge for the Court of Common Pleas, according to WTOV. “Programs like the Phoenix Drug Court Program return that person to the community, back to their families to fulfill their responsibilities in that regard, and to fulfill their responsibilities to the community.”

Yes, the mission for which Camarena died 40 years ago has grown and is on the minds of more people than ever. But while the students participating in school efforts such as those at Blennerhassett Middle are no doubt determined to avoid becoming victims to the substance abuse plague, public officials all over the country who attached their names or their governmental bodies to the Red Ribbon Week effort must remember it is THEIR responsibility to work toward expanding and diversifying economies, provide top notch educations, work toward improving access to affordable mental health care, and generally aim for a better quality of life and HOPE for all those they were elected to serve.

Those are the prevention efforts that will do the most to ensure Camarena and so many others who have died in this fight did not lose their lives in vain.