United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ST. LOUIS– The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) St. Louis Field Division is joining with millions of community members across the nation October 23, to kick off Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program. Over the course of nine days, members of the DEA will provide drug education presentations to communities across the region, landmarks, including the Missouri State Capitol, will be lit red and proclamations signed declaring Red Ribbon Week as a time for citizens to demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

Now in its 41st year, Red Ribbon Week honors the legacy of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered while investigating members of a drug cartel in Mexico. The annual Red Ribbon Week campaign supports DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative by providing a call-to-action to increase public awareness and education around highly addictive, dangerous drugs containing fentanyl and the 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. Thousands of youth across the three-state DEA St. Louis Field Division will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of living drug free.

“We all have a role in keeping our communities safe,” DEA St. Louis Field Division Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer said. “This Red Ribbon Week, I encourage you to join your voices with those of DEA and countless others to help relay a life-saving message on the consequences of drug use and experimentation. Together, we can turn the tide, save lives and prevent those we love from falling victim to overdose or poisoning.”

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.