Discover the 2026 Red Ribbon Theme, a Resource Fair, and DFC Funding Info

As Spring arrives across the nation, October may feel far away, but the National Family Partnership (NFP) and DEA are preparing for Red Ribbon 2026.

NFP has announced the official 2026 Red Ribbon Week theme: “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™” The theme was selected through NFP’s annual Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest and highlights the idea that choosing to live drug-free is an everyday act of leadership, courage, and positive influence.

The winning slogan was submitted by Ava Tackett, whose message stood out for its clarity, empowerment, and strong focus on personal responsibility and peer influence. “Drug free means not taking drugs and making an impact on others,” Ava shared.

Peggy B. Sapp, President of the National Family Partnership, emphasized the value of youth voices in prevention: “The Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest is a meaningful way to engage communities nationwide. Each year, students remind us that living drug-free is a message worth sharing — and living— for life."

As a prevention partner supporting Red Ribbon Week messaging and community activation, The National Family Partnership encourages schools, families, and community organizations to use this year’s theme to spotlight the everyday heroes who make healthy choices and influence others through confidence, kindness, and example.

Theme submissions for the Red Ribbon Week Theme Contest are accepted annually from January 1 through December 4. Winners receive $500 in Red Ribbon Week-themed merchandise.

Red Ribbon Week will be observed October 23–31.

The DFC program is aimed at mobilizing community leaders to identify and respond to the drug problems unique to their community and change local community environmental conditions tied to substance use. Community coalitions across the country receive funding up to $125,000 per year to strengthen collaboration among local partners and create an infrastructure that reduces youth substance use. The DFC Program goals are to: Establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, public and private non-profit agencies, and Federal, state, local and tribal governments to support the efforts of community coalitions working to prevent and reduce substance use among youth; and reduce substance use among youth and, over time, reduce substance use among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase risk for substance use and promoting factors that minimize risk for substance use. Community coalitions interested in applying to the DFC Program are strongly encouraged to attend the following applicant training sessions.

Applications are due via Grants.gov by April 14, 2026. Click the button below that matches your community coalition.