Red Ribbon inspires our kids to Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free

Red Ribbon Week takes place each year from October 23 through 31st.

Join us in our MISSION to help keep kids drug-free.

The largest drug-abuse prevention campaign in the nation

Devoted to the well-being of our children since 1985

A lot can change in three decades. The challenges our youth face today are not the same as when we began our work, but our mission has never changed: support our nation’s families and communities in nurturing the full potential of healthy, drug free youth.

Support healthy, drug free kids

The Red Ribbon Campaign relies on your generosity

For every dollar invested in prevention, $7 are saved in drug-addiction treatment. Join the movement, donate today.

Red Ribbon Blog

Celebrate Being Drug Free

Jun 17, 2020 by NFP

Print out the Red Ribbon Theme sign, add your name, hold it up and post a photo that shows us you’re committed to...

Does your local landmark light up?

Jun 15, 2020 by NFP

How about your school, office building, local bridge or stadium? Find out if it can be turned red in honor of Red...

Facts about vaping

Apr 17, 2020 by Audri Amoro

The Red Ribbon Campaign has partnered with the Lung Love Foundation in order to bring you the facts about the dangers...

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Welcome to Red Ribbon Fridays, a place where we aim to engage students, parents and the community with fun and informative prevention projects. Have an idea or a suggestion for this section? Let us know!

In the meantime, tell us why you choose to be drug free. Email us at: RedRibbon@NFP.org

Share your story

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Grassroot Beginnings

Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent who was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. In honor of Kiki's memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin. Parents then began to form coalitions using Camarena as their model while embracing his belief that one person can make a difference. These coalitions adopted the symbol of Camarena's memory, the Red Ribbon. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.

The 2020 Theme

Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free. This year's Red Ribbon Week theme will help amplify the campaign's mission to encourage children, families and communities to live healthy, happy and drug-free lives. It also serves as a reminder that we are all empowered with shaping the communities around us through positivity, bravery and strength.

Learn more about the theme »

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Get Involved

Check out our Red Ribbon Week 2020 Planning Guide.

Red Ribbon Merchandise

When you purchase Red Ribbon themed merchandise, you're helping support drug-use prevention efforts nationwide.

Take the Pledge

Take the National Red Ribbon Campaign Pledge now and be a part of the creation of a drug free America.

One person can make the difference

The Red Ribbon Campaign serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities, educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.