Campus Drug Prevention, an educational arm of the United State Government’s Drug Enforcement Administration, is gearing up for Red Ribbon Week—the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. Celebrated annually from October 23-31 since 1988, this campaign is a great way for you and your community to help raise awareness around living a drug free life.
The eight-day celebration is an annual catalyst to show intolerance for drugs in our schools, workplaces, and communities. Each year, from October 23-31, more than 80 million young people and adults show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon.
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week on your campus
As educators and NIRSA professionals, we are committed to sharing resources to help to promote the importance of prevention and its role in helping ensure the health and safety of our nation’s colleges and universities.
Fact sheets, video clips, promotional ideas for communities and schools, graphics, and more are all available for free download as part of the DEA Red Ribbon Toolkit. Help spread the word about Red Ribbon Week on your campus and in your community.
Wearing red ribbons during the month of October highlights the importance of preventing drug abuse in our nation’s schools and communities and committing to living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. This year, you can also show your support by lighting up buildings, landmarks, businesses, and bridges in red. Post a photo on your social media platforms, and tag #DEARedRibbon and #GoRed4RedRibbon—and of course don’t forget to tag @NIRSAlive on Twitter or Instagram!
About CoHEASAP
NIRSA is a member of the Coalition of Higher Education Associations for Substance Abuse Prevention (CoHEASAP), a group of organizations who collaborate on substance abuse prevention efforts within the higher education community.
This coalition of higher education associations and organizations seeks to eradicate the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, legal and illegal drugs, and other substances among college students. It strives to inspire students to review their lifestyles and make informed decisions regarding these substances. Member organizations support teaching college students life skills that will enable them to be successful in college and after. Many of CoHEASAP members have also expressed their commitment to wellbeing in higher education by signing on to the Health and Well‑being in Higher Education: A Commitment to Student Success.
- For more information about Red Ribbon Week, visit campusdrugprevention.gov.
Bill Crockett is currently the Executive Director of the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Maryland Baltimore, a Past President of NIRSA, and the NIRSA representative on CoHEASAP. He can be reached at bcrockett@umaryland.edu.
