Red Ribbon Week 2026: Activities and Lesson Ideas for High School
Go beyond spirit days. Use Red Ribbon Week to give students real facts about fentanyl, vaping, marijuana and alcohol, with ready-to-use activities and free booklets for every student.
The nation's largest drug prevention campaign
Red Ribbon Week is held every year from October 23 to 31. It honors DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed in 1985 while investigating drug traffickers. After his death, friends and students in his hometown of Calexico, California began wearing red ribbons as a pledge to live drug-free. The National Family Partnership made it a national campaign in 1988.
October 23–31
Most schools run activities during the school week of Monday, October 26 to Friday, October 30.
The 2026 theme
“Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.” It was chosen in the national student theme contest.
Why the ribbon is red
Wearing a red ribbon honors Kiki Camarena and shows a personal commitment to living drug-free.
A Red Ribbon Week plan for high school
Pair each day with a short, factual lesson. Older students respond to honest information, not slogans.
Monday: Kickoff and pledge
Hand out red ribbons and launch a "Be a Hero" pledge wall where students write one reason they choose to stay drug-free. Give every student a free Truth About Drugs booklet.
Tuesday: Fentanyl facts
A 20-minute lesson on counterfeit pills: what fentanyl is, why you can't judge a pill by how it looks, and what to do in an overdose emergency. Use our fentanyl lesson guide and fact page.
Wednesday: Myth vs. fact
A homeroom competition on common myths about vaping, marijuana and alcohol, with answers drawn from CDC and NIDA facts.
Thursday: Ask an SRO
Students submit anonymous questions and your school resource officer answers them honestly in a Q&A session.
Friday: Student voice
Students create short videos, posters or social posts on this year's theme. Share the best on morning announcements or school social media.
Bonus: Family night
Invite parents for a short session on talking with teens about drugs, and send the booklets home.
Want help leading it? Join a free Zoom training.
Truth About Drugs booklets on fentanyl, marijuana, alcohol, prescription drugs and more, shipped free to your school. Preview the booklets.
Order by October 16 for delivery before Red Ribbon Week. In some areas, a volunteer may be able to bring materials to your school or staff a booth at your event.
Free Zoom training: How to run a drug education assembly
Leading a Red Ribbon assembly or classroom lesson this year? Join a free live Zoom session for teachers. We’ll walk you through planning the assembly, presenting the facts and answering students’ hardest questions. Tell us your school and availability, and we’ll schedule a session.
Keep the conversation going all year
A week of activities starts the conversation. Trained adults keep it going. Our one-day Drug Educator Certification prepares teachers, school resource officers and counselors to teach factual drug education all year, with a ready-to-use curriculum and free student booklets.
Live online training is $199, and schools without a budget may qualify for a Drug Educators Alliance grant.
Red Ribbon Week questions
When is Red Ribbon Week 2026?
October 23–31, 2026. Most schools hold activities during the school week of October 26–30.
What is the 2026 Red Ribbon Week theme?
“Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.”
Why is the ribbon red?
The red ribbon honors DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. After he was killed in 1985, people in his hometown wore red ribbons as a pledge to live drug-free.
How can high schools make Red Ribbon Week more than spirit days?
Pair each day with a short factual lesson, such as fentanyl and counterfeit pills, vaping or myths about marijuana. Older students respond better to honest information than to slogans.
Can a school resource officer lead Red Ribbon Week activities?
Yes. SROs are natural partners for a Q&A session, a fentanyl safety lesson or a family night. Our SRO training prepares officers to teach these topics.
Where can we get free materials?
Request free Truth About Drugs booklets for every student using the form on this page. Order by October 16 for delivery before Red Ribbon Week.
Do you offer help running a Red Ribbon assembly?
Yes. We offer a free Zoom training for teachers on how to plan and lead a drug education assembly. Request a session using the form on this page.
Plan your Red Ribbon Week with us
Tell us about your school and we’ll send free booklets, set up a free Zoom training for your teachers, or help you plan staff certification.