Red Ribbon 2026: Right Around the Corner
 The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) encourages communities to commemorate Red Ribbon Week – October 23-31, 2026 – throughout the month of October.
In 1985, Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by drug traffickers. From the heartbreak for his loss grew a commitment by young people to remain drug-free and reduce demand for cartels’ poisonous products. In Kiki’s hometown of Calexico, California, teens started wearing red ribbons in memory of Special Agent Camarena. This effort quickly gained momentum across the country. The National Family Partnership turned Red Ribbon Week into a national drug awareness campaign. Every year since, Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated in schools and throughout communities.
Red Ribbon anchors DEA’s efforts to support drug prevention, education, and community outreach. DEA works tirelessly throughout October to promote community safety and encourage healthy, drug-free lifestyles in the spirit of Red Ribbon.
Initiatives include:
- Businesses, organizations, and communities can “Go Red for Red Ribbon” by illuminating or decorating buildings and landmarks in red during the week of October 23-31.
- Viewing and sharing the 2026 Virtual National Red Ribbon Rally.
- DEA and SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), co-sponsor the Red Ribbon Campus Video PSA Contest.
- DEA and the National Family Partnership co-sponsor the annual Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest.
- The DEA Red Ribbon Patch Program is designed to provide Scouts BSA and Girl Scouts the opportunity to earn a patch from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by engaging in anti-drug activities in celebration of Red Ribbon Week.
Details of each of these efforts, and more, can be found at www.dea.gov/redribbon.
Community organizations and members who seek to learn more can engage the DEA Community Outreach Specialist who serves their state or region.
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DEA Marks 25 Years After 9/11 by Honoring Fallen Task Force Officers and Opening Special Museum Exhibit
 DEA commemorated the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a ceremony at DEA Headquarters honoring those killed that day and those who later died from 9/11-related illnesses. The ceremony also marked the opening of Never Forget: 25 Years After 9/11, a DEA Museum limited-run exhibit.
“Never Forget” is DEA’s solemn promise to preserve the legacy of those lost in the line of duty and to honor the courage, service, and sacrifice demonstrated in the days, months, and years following the attacks.
“Twenty-five years later, the pain of September 11 remains, as does our profound gratitude for every person who answered the call to serve,” said DEA Administrator Terry Cole. “Today, as we add two more names to DEA’s memorial, we are reminded that the sacrifice of 9/11 did not end when the smoke cleared. We honor those we lost, stand with the families who carry their memory, and remember the courage of those who stepped forward when our nation needed them most. For DEA, ‘Never Forget’ is more than a promise. It is a responsibility we carry forward through our service to this country.”
Read the full DEA news release.
Watch: Time-Lapse Video of Assembly of DEA Museum's 9/11 Exhibit
 Schedule a visit to the DEA Museum in Arlington, VA through October 3 to see the 9/11 exhibit.
Can't make it in-person? No worries. A virtual version of the exhibit is available on the DEA Museum website.
We're Growing!
The Together for Families network now includes hundreds of organizations and individuals from across the United States. Please encourage families and community members concerned about substance use to sign up for updates.
Also, if you work with an organization that has a free resource, information or event that you want families to know about, encourage them to join the Together for Families network by e-mailing togetherforfamilies@dea.gov.
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