Red Ribbon Week® Theme

Introducing the 2026 National Red Ribbon Week Theme: Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.™

We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 Red Ribbon Week theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™”, created by Ava Tackett, a student at Griswold Middle School in Griswold, Connecticut, with guidance from Health Teacher Kristen Butremavic.

Congratulations to Ava and Kristen on winning the 2026 Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest. The theme emphasizes that choosing to live drug-free is an act of leadership and courage, and that everyday decisions can positively influence peers, families, and communities. Selected through NFP’s annual Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest, Ava’s slogan stood out for its clarity, empowerment, and strong focus on personal responsibility and peer influence.

Kristen Butremavic emphasized the campaign’s role in building community and belonging. “Red Ribbon Week brings students of different grades and backgrounds together around a common message,” she said. “It helps students see that role models aren’t just adults or athletes — they’re classmates making healthy choices and showing confidence and kindness.”

Submit Your Theme for 2027!

Theme submissions are accepted annually from January 1st through December 4th. Contest winners receive $500 in Red Ribbon Week-themed merchandise, courtesy of Nimco, Inc.—the exclusive provider of Red Ribbon campaign materials. Learn how to submit your 2027 theme suggestion here: www.redribbon.org/theme/contest

Join us for Red Ribbon week! Red Ribbon Week takes place October 23rd–31st every year. Get involved and help us continue making America drug-free!

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