Schools, families and communities across the United States are taking part in Red Ribbon Week, the annual drug-use prevention campaign held from October 23 to 31. Coordinated nationally by the National Family Partnership, the campaign encourages communities to discuss substance use, support young people and promote healthy, drug-free lives. This year’s theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free”, focuses on the positive influence young people can have through everyday decisions and the support they offer others.
The 2026 theme was created by Ava Tackett, a student at Griswold Middle School in Connecticut, with guidance from her health teacher, Kristen Butremovic. Its message connects prevention with leadership, courage and looking out for other people. The organisers encourage students to recognise that role models can be classmates, friends and family members, as well as public figures. Supporting a friend, setting a positive example and helping someone find assistance are among the ideas behind this year’s approach.
Red Ribbon Week has its roots in the community response to the killing of US Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in Mexico in 1985. People began wearing red ribbons in his memory and as a symbol of their commitment to preventing drug-related harm. The National Family Partnership sponsored the first national campaign in 1988. Since then, the red ribbon has become a familiar symbol used by schools and community organisations to bring attention to prevention.
The campaign provides planning resources and opportunities for participation, including pledges, student activities and a national photo contest. Families and schools are invited to decorate their homes or school grounds around the annual theme and submit photographs. Entries for the 2026 contest remain open until November 2. These activities give local communities a shared starting point while allowing schools to adapt their programmes to different age groups and circumstances.
The organisers also emphasise that a meaningful Red Ribbon Week involves more than posters, ribbons or themed clothing days. Their guidance encourages activities that help students understand substance-related risks, discuss peer influence and consider how they can support one another. For parents and caregivers, the campaign offers an opportunity to listen, answer questions and keep conversations going beyond October. Its central invitation is to make prevention a continuing part of family, school and community life.
Find more from Red Ribbon Week (USA, October 2026)
Campaign material: National Family Partnership, www.redribbon.org. © National Family Partnership. All rights reserved.
