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 2026 theme is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay 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 response to the murder of DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, angered parents and youth in communities across the country began wearing Red Ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. In 1988, the National Family Partnership launched the first National Red Ribbon Week, with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons.
For Kiki’s family, Red Ribbon Week has always meant more than a “just say no to drugs” campaign. It’s been a nationwide support group, one that has provided a measure of healing for Kiki’s family as they travel and connect with students on ways to combat drug misuse. In 2022, nearly 40 years after Kiki’s death, one of his killers was captured. The moment was bittersweet: Kiki’s mother had just one wish since the death of her son: to still be alive when an arrest was made. Sadly, she passed away in 2021, before his 2025 extradition to the United States to face criminal charges.
By continuing to hold Red Ribbon Week each year, Kiki’s legacy lives on, not only as a reminder that communities can move mountains, but one person’s courage can spark a nationwide movement for justice. Today, the campaign continues to honor Agent Camarena’s legacy by promoting drug prevention education and community engagement.
Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™
This year’s theme highlights the idea that choosing to live drug-free is an everyday act of leadership, courage, and positive influence. It serves as a clear and empowering message with an emphasis on personal responsibility and peer influence. 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. Wearing Red Ribbons in October is a visible a symbol of our commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs in America. It’s an empowering testament to wanting to make a difference.
Explore free resources including a planning guide, campaign logo and theme, announcements, pledge sheets, and more at the Red Ribbon Week Downloads. Use the materials to 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.
