The Red Ribbon Campaign Champions Prevention to Advance a Fentanyl Free America

The DEA Detroit Field Division will join with millions of community members across the nation to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug misuse prevention awareness program, which honors the legacy of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.

Officially running from October 23 – 31, Red Ribbon Week is recognized throughout October and it 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 

“Red Ribbon Week is a powerful reminder that sharing a drug-free message is a responsibility we all share. While we celebrate throughout the month, the impact of this message extends far beyond October. It takes a village comprised of families, schools, community organizations, and law enforcement working together to educate our young people, support healthy choices, and building drug-free communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon.

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. 

Additional resources including the Red Ribbon Pledge, posters, and PSAs can be found in the Red Ribbon Tool Kit on www.dea.gov/redribbon.