This year’s Red Ribbon Week® theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™,” invites us to think about what being a hero really means.
Heroes aren’t only people who do extraordinary things. They’re the people making positive choices in everyday moments — at home, at school and in their communities.
Across our prevention campaigns, we see four simple ways each of us can make a difference:
With Family Day on September 28, this is the perfect place to begin.
Young people connect by spending meaningful time with their families. Parents and caregivers connect by creating opportunities to talk, listen and stay involved in their children’s lives.
A family meal doesn’t have to be elaborate or perfect. What matters is making time to be present.
This Family Day, I encourage families to eat together, talk together and truly listen to one another.
Red Ribbon Week® reminds us that heroes choose healthy futures.
Young people make choices every day that can help them reach their goals and stay drug free. Adults can support those choices by being positive role models, setting clear expectations and demonstrating healthy behaviors themselves.
Sometimes the most powerful prevention message we can give a child is the example we set.
Learn more about Red Ribbon Week
Through Lock Your Meds®, we’re reminded that heroes take steps to protect themselves and others.
Young people need to understand the dangers of medication misuse and know when to ask for help. Parents and caregivers can help protect their homes by safely storing, monitoring and disposing of medications.
Small actions at home can make an important difference.
Explore Lock Your Meds® resources
Safe Homes Smart Parties® reminds us that heroes also lead.
For young people, that can mean looking out for friends, speaking up and making safe choices. For adults, leadership means setting expectations, monitoring activities and helping create safe environments for youth.
Leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest person in the room. Sometimes it simply means having the courage to make the responsible choice — and helping someone else do the same.
Explore Safe Homes Smart Parties®
As we prepare for Red Ribbon Week this October, I also encourage students, families and educators to start thinking ahead.
This year’s theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™,” started with one student and one idea. Now, that message will be shared by schools and communities across the country.
What could next year’s message be?
The 2027 National Red Ribbon Theme Contest is open, and now is a great time for students to start brainstorming.
Your words could inspire another student.
Your idea could inspire a school.
And your message could inspire communities across the nation.
Learn about the 2027 Red Ribbon Theme Contest
Whether we are connecting as families, choosing healthy futures, protecting our homes or leading by example, each of us has a role to play.
Being a hero doesn’t require superpowers. Sometimes it begins with one conversation, one healthy choice, one safer decision or one person willing to lead.
Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™