What is Red Ribbon Week?

Red Ribbon Week is an annual drug prevention awareness campaign in the United States running from October 23rd through October 31st. The campaign is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program.  

Red Ribbon Week aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and encourage people to live drug-free lives.  

Each year, a new theme is chosen for the campaign. The 2023 Red Ribbon Campaign theme is “Be Kind to Your Mind. Live Drug-Free.” It serves as a reminder that Americans nationwide should make significant daily contributions to their communities by leading drug-free lives and being their best.   

Keep reading to learn more about Red Ribbon Week and how you can get involved! 

History of the Red Ribbon Week  

Red Ribbon Week culture began in the USA after the kidnapping, torture, and murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena in 1985. Before his capture, Camarena had managed to infiltrate the notorious Guadalajara cartel in Mexico as an undercover officer of the law for over four years.  

Camarena’s efforts led to the discovery and closure of a multimillion-dollar marijuana manufacturing operation in Chihuahua, Mexico. After his death, people wanted to honor his sacrifice and raise awareness about the dangers of drug use.  

Citizens in Camarena’s hometown of Calexico, California, donned red ribbons in his honor. The red ribbon became symbolic and helped create awareness and reduce the demand for illegal drugs.  

Subsequently, the then California Congressman Duncan Hunter and teacher David Dhillon launched “Camarena Clubs” in California high schools. In 1986, club members presented a proclamation to Nancy Reagan, former First Lady of the United States, who had initiated nationwide anti-drug programs.  

The following year, parent-teacher organizations in Virginia, California, and Illinois wore the red ribbons in late October and November. In 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) organized the first National Red Ribbon Week, proclaimed by the U.S. Congress and chaired by Nancy Reagan.  

Today, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated annually from October 23rd through 31st and is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug awareness and prevention program. 

Recent Themes by Year

Red Ribbon Week has had a different theme each year since its inception in 1985. In the past, Red Ribbon Week has utilized some of the following themes:

• Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Drug-Free (2023) 
• “Celebrate Life. Live Drug-Free.” (2022)
• “Send a Message. Stay Drug-Free.” (2021)
• “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug-Free.” (2020)
• “Life Is Your Journey. Travel Drug-Free.” (2019) 

Choosing a theme for Red Ribbon Week is important because it helps focus the campaign and make it more memorable. A theme can also help create a sense of unity among participants and make it easier to organize activities and events.  

It can also help to reinforce the message of drug prevention and encourage people to live a healthy, drug-free life. By choosing a relevant and engaging theme, Red Ribbon Week can be an effective tool for raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and promoting positive choices. 

Activities to Do

Red Ribbon Week is marked by numerous activities designed to raise awareness about drug prevention. Here are some examples: 

• Wearing red ribbons: Wearing red ribbons is a simple way to show support for drug prevention. 
• Hosting drug prevention events such as walks and marathons to create awareness and raise funds to help those in need of special support and care.
• Create posters: Creating posters with drug prevention messages is another great way to get the message out.
• Hosting a drug-free pledge: Encourage people to take a pledge to live a drug-free life.
• Offering civic education on the dangers and consequences of alcohol and substance use. 

These activities can be tailored to different age groups and communities. For example, younger children may enjoy coloring pages with anti-drug messages, while older children may prefer to participate in a drug-free talent show.  

Activities can also be tailored to specific communities, such as hosting a community walk or tournament to raise awareness about drug prevention. By tailoring activities to different age groups and communities, Red Ribbon Week can be an effective tool for raising awareness about the dangers of drug use and promoting positive choices. 

Getting Involved in Red Ribbon Week 

Individuals and organizations can get involved in Red Ribbon Week by participating in local events, organizing their own events, or simply spreading the word about drug prevention.  

The Red Ribbon Campaign website has a variety of resources available for those who want to learn more or participate in the campaign. These resources include planning guides, activity ideas, and educational materials.  

The website also has a store where you can purchase Red Ribbon-themed merchandise to support drug-use prevention efforts nationwide. Another way to get involved is to take the National Red Ribbon Campaign Pledge and join the drug-free American society.  

By taking the pledge, you commit to living a drug-free life and encouraging others to do the same. To learn more about Red Ribbon Week and how to get involved, visit the Red Ribbon Campaign website. 

Why is Red Ribbon Week A Good Time To Seek Help?  

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible. 

A healthcare provider or addiction specialist can help you develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment often includes medication-assisted treatment, counseling, or support groups.  

Red Ribbon Week is a good time to seek professional help and do a family intervention for a family member dealing with addiction because it is a time when people come together to raise awareness about drug prevention and promote positive choices.  

It’s also a time when people are more likely to be receptive to the message of drug prevention and may be more open to seeking help for addiction.  

Get Professional Addiction Treatment Today 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t wait any longer to get help. DreamLife Recovery is here to help you take the first step toward recovery.  

Call us today at (855) 384-5808 to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you or your loved one overcome addiction and start living a healthy, drug-free life.