United States Drug Enforcement Administration

WASHINGTON, DC – This October, DEA honors the legacy of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena with the annual Red Ribbon Campaign — the nation’s largest, and longest-running, drug prevention program, which serves as the cornerstone of agency’s prevention efforts.

The Red Ribbon Campaign supports DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative by serving as a nationwide call-to-action to increase public awareness and education around highly addictive, dangerous drugs containing fentanyl and emerging drug threats that continue to fuel the opioid epidemic. 

This year’s Red Ribbon theme, in collaboration with National Family Partnership, is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free,” highlighting how living a drug-free lifestyle helps build a brighter future. The winning themes were created by Griswold Middle School student Ava Tackett from Griswold, Connecticut. 

“This year’s Red Ribbon theme captures the spirit of this movement, reminding us that we all have the power to make a difference,” said DEA Administrator Terry Cole.  “That means understanding that dangerous and deadly drugs come in many forms, including powder, pills, and vapes. Vapes can contain nicotine, marijuana concentrates, and other illegal drugs, which can be extremely addictive. The annual Red Ribbon campaign is a reminder that we all play an important role in preventing drug misuse before it ever starts and achieving a Fentanyl Free America.” 

DEA’s virtual 2026 National Red Ribbon Rally is now available on demand at www.dea.gov/redribbon and www.getsmartaboutdrugs.com, where it will remain accessible throughout the month.

The rally features remarks by DEA Administrator Terry Cole and ONDCP Director Sarah Carter, a musical performance by Nashville, Tennessee country artist Christiana Alaire, a color guard presentation by DC’s Young Marines and ChalleNGe Academy in Maryland, and the national anthem performed by Kentucky Opry Junior Pros. The event also reveals the winners of DEA’s 2026 Community Drug Prevention Awards and Visual Arts Contest, while showcasing the many ways schools, community organizations, and families can participate in this year’s campaign. 

To further support education and community engagement, DEA has released the new 2026 edition of the Drugs of Abuse publication, which provides science-based information about substances that endanger individuals and communities.

For the past four decades, DEA has recognized October 23 through October 31 as Red Ribbon Week, providing an opportunity for parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness about substance misuse. Throughout the week, you’ll also see DEA #GoRed4RedRibbon to honor Special Agent Camarena’s life and legacy. 

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 in Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California, and quickly gained momentum across the state and then across the rest of the country. The National Family Partnership turned Red Ribbon Week into a national drug awareness campaign, an eight-day event proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by then President and Mrs. Reagan.  Every year since, Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated in schools and communities nationwide.

As part of Red Ribbon Week, DEA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) are sponsoring the 10th Annual Red Ribbon Campus Video PSA Contest. Last year’s winners and information on how campuses can submit a PSA can be found at www.campusdrugprevention.gov/psacontest. 

DEA is also a co-sponsor of the National Family Partnership’s annual Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest. More information is available at www.redribbon.org.

We encourage you to follow DEA’s social media accounts on Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Flickr to help spread awareness. Additional resources including the Red Ribbon Pledge, posters, and PSAs can be found in the Red Ribbon Tool Kit on www.dea.gov/redribbon.