Each year, on October 23-31, individuals, schools, and communities across the United States show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the challenges related to drugs faced by individuals, families, and communities. This annual health observance encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles. Red Ribbon Week started more than three decades ago, following the death of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration who was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after Special Agent Camarena’s death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice. The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools, and communities nationwide each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our nation’s communities.
Nationally and throughout Greater Manchester, schools and communities observe this week in various ways. Check out how you can get involved:
- Submit a video PSA! The DEA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are sponsoring the 10th Annual Red Ribbon Campus Video PSA Contest. Last year’s winners and information on how campuses can submit a PSA can be found at www.campusdrugprevention.gov/psacontest.
- #GoRed4RedRibbon by lighting up your home or business with red lights, wearing red, or rocking a red ribbon!
- DEA Drug Takeback takes place during Red Ribbon Week, on Saturday, October 24th! Community members are encouraged to bring unneeded medications to be safely disposed of at their local police stations or other designated takeback locations. Find your nearest drop-off location here: Take Back Day
Red Ribbon Week offers so many great opportunities for parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness of substance misuse prevention. The DEA has created materials to help your school and community participate in Red Ribbon Week. The online toolkit includes a variety of helpful resources, including downloadable graphics, a fact card, student and parent pledges, and ways to promote Red Ribbon Week in your school or community. For more information, go to www.dea.gov/redribbon.
Written by Anne Bonner | Marketing and Communications Lead | 10/16/2026.
