Red Ribbon Week 2025

Red Ribbon Week: Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring Drug-Free Futures

Dates: October 23–31
2025 Theme: “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.”

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug prevention awareness campaign. Observed annually during the last week of October, it encourages individuals, families, and communities to live drug-free lives. Millions of people participate by wearing red ribbons, hosting events, and pledging to make healthy choices.

The campaign began in 1985 as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was kidnapped and murdered by drug traffickers while working undercover in Mexico. His sacrifice sparked a grassroots movement in his hometown of Calexico, California, where citizens wore red ribbons to symbolize their commitment to drug prevention. By 1988, the National Family Partnership formalized Red Ribbon Week as a nationwide event, with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons.

Substance abuse continues to impact families and communities across the U.S. Red Ribbon Week serves as a powerful reminder that prevention and education are key to reducing drug use and its consequences. It promotes positive decision-making, mental health awareness, and community.

At WT Sampson, we have a full activity schedule for Red Ribbon week! We kicked off with an opening ceremony on Thursday. Thank you so much to the Navy and Marine units who came out to support us.  Pictures attached. 

Friday was Team Up Against Drugs. Thank you to the Navy and Marines who stopped by at lunch to engage in activities.

Next week we look forward to the activities planned for the week ahead! Click more information for the schedule.