We’ve made exciting new changes in the way we want to recognize and celebrate Red Ribbon Week, including a Red Ribbon activity contest! While COCA made the tough decision not to offer Red Ribbons, in keeping with the evolving landscape of best practices for Prevention in our schools and communities, we created new resources this year. In addition to the contest, the resources will include free posters, lesson plans, activities and curriculum ideas for red ribbon week for schools. We always strive and continue to look for ways that we can better impact our students in more meaningful ways, and we believe this is a great next step towards doing that. Please keep watch for the Red Ribbon Week packet going out to schools in the next two weeks. If you requested ribbons last year you are automatically on our mailing and email list.
Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated as a symbol of support for efforts to reduce drug use through youth prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, individuals demonstrate their opposition to illegal drugs and illustrate their dedication to living drug-free. The National Red Ribbon Campaign is organized annually by The National Family Partnership. For 2025 the national theme is “Life is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.™
In 2024, COCA’s Prevention team celebrated Red Ribbon Week by providing 40,000 red ribbons to Berks County schools and hosting a free dinner and movie night in collaboration with Centro Hispano Daniel Torres Hispano.
