The 2026 Virtual National Red Ribbon Rally is now available as a drug prevention resource for schools, families and community organisations across the United States. Premiered by the US Drug Enforcement Administration on October 1, the programme has been released ahead of Red Ribbon Week and is designed to be used throughout October.

The rally brings together different voices and perspectives on preventing drug use, together with performances by young people celebrating drug-free living. It also features the winners of the national Red Ribbon Visual Arts Contest for elementary, middle and high school students, giving young people themselves a visible role in creating and communicating prevention messages.

The virtual rally is part of the wider Red Ribbon Campaign, one of the largest annual drug prevention initiatives in the United States. Red Ribbon Week takes place from October 23 to 31, when schools and communities across the country organise activities encouraging healthy choices and drug-free living.

One useful aspect of the virtual format is that the rally does not end when the premiere is over. Schools, families and community organisations can continue showing and sharing the programme during October, using it alongside their own prevention activities during Substance Use Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week.

By combining expert and community perspectives with performances and youth-created art, the rally also gives young people a more active role in prevention communication. Rather than being only the audience for drug prevention messages, students are also encouraged to contribute their own ideas and creativity.

Find more from Just Think Twice, US Drug Enforcement Administration (USA, October 2026)