Campus Drug Prevention, an educational initiative of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with the Red Ribbon Campaign, is preparing for the 37th annual Red Ribbon Week—the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. Celebrated each year from October 23–31, the 2025 theme is “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.™”
Red Ribbon Week began as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was tragically killed by drug traffickers in 1985. In 1988, the National Family Partnership launched the first National Red Ribbon Week, with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons. Today, the campaign continues to honor Agent Camarena’s legacy by promoting drug prevention education and community engagement.
One piece at a time
This year’s theme highlights how every choice we make fits into the bigger picture—just like a puzzle coming together. It serves as a reminder that a drug-free lifestyle helps build a stronger, brighter future, one piece at a time. Drug-free communities are powerful, united, and essential to the success of substance misuse prevention efforts.
From October 23–31, wear red ribbons to raise awareness and honor those affected by addiction. Join over 80 million people worldwide in supporting a drug-free lifestyle by lighting up buildings, landmarks, and campuses in red. Share your support on social media using #DEARedRibbon, #GoRed4RedRibbon, and tag @NIRSAlive on Instagram or Facebook.
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week on your campus!
As educators and NIRSA professionals, we are committed to fostering environments where students and staff can engage in meaningful conversations about making positive, drug-free choices.
Explore free resources including: 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 proud member of the Coalition of Higher Education Associations for Substance Abuse Prevention (CoHEASAP), a group of organizations who collaborate on substance misuse prevention efforts within the higher education community.
CoHEASAP Mission Statement
The Coalition of Higher Education Associations for Substance Misuse Prevention (CoHEASAP) is a coalition of higher education associations and organizations that assists the higher education community in minimizing substance misuse and addictive behaviors among college students in order to promote student success.
- For more information about Red Ribbon Week, visit campusdrugprevention.gov.
Bill Crockett is currently the Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs Business & Facility Operationsat the University of Maryland Baltimore, a Past President of NIRSA, and the NIRSA representative on CoHEASAP. He is also a current member of the NIRSA History and Legacy Committee; he can be reached at bcrockett@umaryland.edu.
