The office of Sen. Pete V. Domenici, R-N.M., issued the following news release:

The Senate has approved a resolution cosponsored by U.S. Senator Pete Domenici that calls on citizens to participate in "Red Ribbon Week," an annual campaign to fight illegal drug-related violence and crime.

The resolution sets the 2008 Red Ribbon Week for October 23-31. The campaign was launched in 1988, in part, to honor Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique Camarena who was gunned down in the line of duty in 1985.

Red Ribbon Week resolution (S.Res.676) encourages youth to choose drug-free lifestyles and promotes the creation of drug-free communities. Red Ribbon Week is led by the National Family Partnership (NFP). http://www.nfp.org/.

"Celebrating Red Ribbon Week is a way for New Mexicans to come together, make a stand against illegal drug abuse and drug-related crime in their communities, and protect our children from these problems," said Domenici. "The influx of illegal drugs into New Mexico, whether methamphetamines or black tar Heroin, is a threat public safety and the quality of life we all want."

The NFP is also working to create Red Ribbon Certified Schools across the country through a federally-funded initiative. Certified schools are highlighted for their efforts to prevent the use of drugs, Alcohol and tobacco youth.

Sponsored by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the resolution states, in part:

"Whereas, although public awareness of illicit drug use is increasing, emerging drug threats and growing epidemics such as the abuse of prescription medication-the second most abused drug by youth, Methamphetamine, and inhalants demand attention; "Whereas drug dealers are specifically targeting children by marketing illicit drugs that mimic the appearance and names of well known brand-name candies and foods; and

"Whereas parents, youths, schools, businesses, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions, service organizations, senior citizens, medical and military personnel, sports teams, and individuals throughout the United States will demonstrate their commitment to healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles by wearing and displaying red ribbons during this week-long celebration: Now, therefore, be it "Resolved, That the Senate-

* Supports the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week;

* Encourages children and teens to choose to live drug-free lives; and

* Encourages the people of the United States to promote the creation of drug-free communities and to participate in drug prevention activities to show support for healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles."