In 1985, a DEA agent named Enrique Camarena and his driver were murdered by the drug traffickers Camarena was investigating. Citizens in Camarena’s hometown of Calexico, California, honored his memory by wearing red ribbons for a week. The tribute grew to multiple clubs and schools in California and then expanded into Illinois and Virginia and included an educational aspect. It became an alcohol, tobacco, smoking, and drug and violence prevention awareness campaign.
Campaign leaders sent a proclamation to First Lady Nancy Reagan, who in 1988 established the first National Red Ribbon Week, now held October 23-31 each fall. Schools are sent activity suggestions for each day of the week, and the theme each year is selected from ideas sent by students. Packets include videos, worksheets, logo clothing, ideas appropriate to different grade levels and faith-based materials for private schools. In 2018, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts could earn a badge by participating in activities during Red Ribbon Week.
Pentwater Public Schools has been participating in the program for 20 years with leadership from Erika Fatura, who brought enthusiasm for the campaign from her previous teaching position in Chicago. “It's a big thing in the state of Illinois. For some reason, it's not as popular in Michigan. At the time, Pentwater didn't have anything happening for drug and alcohol awareness, so I wanted to start something. It started out small and then grew over the years…I feel like it's one of the most important things to provide for our students. I am very grateful the staff and administration are very supportive. It's definitely an interruption for the week, but for a great cause.”
The theme for 2026 was “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug-Free.” Fatura distributed a schedule of activities and ideas to the teachers. Grades 1-6 participated in a poster contest based on the theme. School assemblies for the week included the Jason Miney Panel (speakers from Mason County Life Recovery program in Ludington), a presentation by Public Safety Officer Darwin Mitchell on overdose signs and use of Narcan, a video called “Chasing the Dragon,” and a group called “Power of Choices,” who divided the students to have separate discussions with the boys and the girls. Fatura reported, “Apparently the boys had one of the most impactful assemblies ever.”
Each day had a slogan that suggested wardrobe choices. Monday was "RED-Y to live a drug-free life" (wear red.) Tuesday was "Be Comfortable Being Drug-Free" (wear sweatpants/comfy clothes). Wednesday was "Don’t Get Mixed Up in Drugs" (wear mismatched clothes). Thursday was "Team Up Against Drugs" (wear your favorite sport team logo clothing). Friday was "Drugs are Spooky" (wear your Halloween costume). Staff and students alike were invited to dress accordingly. Once each day, names of two students and one teacher were drawn for a prize. If they participated in the day’s dress-up code, they won a candy bar.
Classroom discussion topics included “Natural Highs” and “What Makes Someone a Hero?” Fatura gave teachers a list of online resources to explore for additional discussion and activities.
Red Ribbon Week has become the largest drug-use prevention campaign in the U.S. that aims to keep kids drug-free.
