Encourage a drug free campus by supporting Red Ribbon Week

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 36th Red Ribbon Week—the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. Celebrated annually from October 23-31, the 2024 theme is Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.™

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program, originating 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. The Red Ribbon Week initiative continues to symbolize a commitment to raising awareness about the devastating impact of drugs in America, while also serving as a catalyst to mobilize communities, educate youth, and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

This year’s theme highlights the benefits of staying drug-free, emphasizing that choosing not to use drugs allows us to naturally experience happiness and a sense of wellbeing through the release of endorphins. Drug-free communities demonstrate that there is strength in numbers, contributing significantly to the success of substance abuse prevention efforts.

Wearing red ribbons from October 23-31 not only raises awareness about preventing drug abuse in our schools and communities but also honors those who have lost their lives in the fight against addiction to drugs. This year, join over 80 million people worldwide in supporting a drug-free lifestyle 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 committed to providing resources that engage students and professionals in meaningful discussions about the importance of making clear and positive choices to remain 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.

The Coalition of Higher Education Associations Substance Abuse Prevention (CoHEASAP) is a coalition of higher education associations and organizations that 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.