Campus Drug Prevention, an educational arm of the United State Government’s Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with the Red Ribbon Campaign, is gearing up for their 33rd Red Ribbon Week—the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. Celebrated annually from October 23-31, this year’s theme is Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free. in the hopes that schools and workplaces will keep increasing the level of awareness and the benefits of living in a drug free community.
The Red Ribbon Campaign started with a grassroots initiative in 1985, quickly becoming an official campaign in 1988. Now, 30 years later, the eight day celebration continues to serve as the impetus in educating communities on youth drug prevention with more than 80 million people around the world showing their dedication to a happy, healthy and drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon.
Celebrate Red Ribbon Week on your campus
The Red Ribbon Campaign started with a grassroots initiative in 1985, quickly becoming an official campaign in 1988. Now, 30 years later, the eight day celebration continues to serve as the impetus in educating communities on youth drug prevention with more than 80 million people around the world showing their dedication to a happy, healthy and drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon.
Fact sheets, photo contest information, virtual backgrounds, logos, resources, and more are all available for free on the downloads page of redribbon.org. Help spread the word about Red Ribbon Week on your campus and in your community.
Wearing red ribbons during the month of October, not only helps to raise awareness on preventing drug abuse in our schools and communities but it also serves as a reminder of all those who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs. This year, you can 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 @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.
- 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.
