United States Drug Enforcement Administration

NEW ORLEANS – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Orleans Field Division announces its observance of National Red Ribbon Week, taking place October 23–31, 2026. As the nation’s largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention campaign, Red Ribbon Week serves as the cornerstone of the agency’s prevention efforts across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. 

This year’s national campaign supports DEA’s Fentanyl-Free America initiative, serving as a nationwide call-to-action to increase public awareness and education around highly addictive synthetic drugs containing fentanyl and other emerging threats. 

The 2026 national Red Ribbon theme—developed in collaboration with the National Family Partnership and created by Griswold Middle School student Ava Tackett—is “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free,” highlighting how living a drug-free lifestyle helps build a brighter future. 

“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.” 

Locally, John P. Scott, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New Orleans Field Division, emphasized the critical role of regional education and family engagement. “Red Ribbon Week honors the legacy and ultimate sacrifice of DEA Special Agent Enrique ‘Kiki’ Camarena, who gave his life in 1985 to protect our nation from illicit drug traffickers. Across our four-state division, we are working closely with schools, parents, and community partners to spark these vital conversations and protect our youth from the devastating impacts of fentanyl and counterfeit pills.”

Ways to Participate & Educational Resources:

• Virtual National Red Ribbon Rally: Available on demand throughout October at dea.gov/redribbon and getsmartaboutdrugs.com, featuring remarks from leadership, student awards, and prevention insights. 
• Wear Red & #GoRed4RedRibbon: Show your commitment to a drug-free lifestyle and honor Special Agent Camarena's legacy by wearing red during October 23–31. 
• Drugs of Abuse Publication: Access the newly released 2026 edition for science-based information regarding substances that endanger communities. 
• Family & Youth Resources: Utilize free tools at GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov and JustThinkTwice.gov to talk openly with young people.
• National Contests: Explore the National Family Partnership’s Red Ribbon Photo Contest (redribbon.org) and the DEA/SAMHSA Campus Video PSA Contest (campusdrugprevention.gov/psacontest). 

For more information on regional events and to access the Red Ribbon Toolkit, visit dea.gov/redribbon or dea.gov/divisions/new-orleans.