Campus Drug Prevention, an educational arm of the United State Government’s Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with the Red Ribbon Campaign, is kicking off their 36th Red Ribbon Week—the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. Celebrated annually from October 23-31, the 2023 theme is Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug Free.™
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program, starting as a tribute to Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was tortured and killed by drug traffickers in 1985. In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary Chairpersons. Since then, the Red Ribbon campaign has taken on national significance serving as a catalyst to mobilize communities, educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
This year’s theme reminds us that by choosing not to use drugs, we reap the benefit of those endorphins that help us naturally experience happiness and a sense of wellbeing. Drug free communities have proven that there is strength in numbers leading to the success in substance abuse prevention.
Wearing red ribbons during October 23-31 not only helps to raise awareness on preventing drug abuse in our schools and communities, but it also serves to commemorate all those who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs. This year, join over 80 million people around the world by showing your support for a drug-free life style 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!
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week on your campus!
As educators and NIRSA professionals, we are dedicated to sharing resources that engage students and professionals in critical dialogues on the importance of making clear and positive choices to be drug free.
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.
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.
- 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.
