About The Campaign

About Red Ribbon Week

A national prevention campaign that helps communities raise awareness, educate youth, and strengthen drug-free culture.

Who Leads The Campaign

Red Ribbon Week is part of a broader national prevention effort led by National Family Partnership, a nonprofit organization formed by parents and community advocates who believed families should play a direct leadership role in drug prevention.

The campaign continues that mission by helping schools, families, and local partners create strong, visible, and positive prevention messages for young people.

What Red Ribbon Week Does

  • Build awareness around the impact of drugs and substance misuse.
  • Encourage youth participation in prevention-focused activities.
  • Support community advocacy and family engagement.
  • Provide prevention materials and campaign tools schools can use locally.

The Origin Of The Red Ribbon

The campaign began in the mid-1980s after the murder of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. In response, parents, youth, and community coalitions began wearing red ribbons as a public sign of commitment to prevention and to the belief that one person can make a difference.

Since then, Red Ribbon Week has grown into a national movement that mobilizes communities to educate young people and promote healthy, drug-free choices through schools, local organizations, and family outreach.

How To Get Involved

Schools and community partners can use this site to register activities, make the pledge, connect with DDRO, and access prevention materials that support local Red Ribbon Week efforts.

Register Your School