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

DIY Pumpkin Painting Project

Oct 23, 2020 by NFP

Get in the Halloween spirit and create your own Pumpkin Painting Party! Use this year's theme, Be Happy. Be Brave. Be...

1 min read

Kaiserslautern Middle School Celebrates Red Ribbon Week in Germany

Oct 19, 2020 by NFP

Have you heard of Kaiserslautern Middle School (KMS)? KMS is a federally operated school managed by the Department of...

Natural High’s Ask the Expert

Oct 13, 2020 by NFP

In celebration of Red Ribbon Week, Natural High will be hosting a special Q&A with Psychologist and Comedian...

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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 activities. Have an activity suggestion? Let us know! Email us at: RedRibbon@NFP.org

October 23, 2020

Today’s Red Ribbon Friday Activity:

On the first day of Red Ribbon Week we want to know who encourages you to be brave, happy and 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. ^TM 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.