CELEBRATE RED RIBBON WEEK, OCT 23–31, 2026

The Anchorage Police Department invites the community to take a stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week from October 23–31, 2026.

This year’s national theme is: Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free. The annual event takes place every October to raise awareness about drug prevention. APD’s School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit coordinates with the Alaska National Guard Counterdrug Support Program, along with other partners, to promote drug prevention. Red Ribbon Week kicked off with assemblies at some local schools in Anchorage.

As background, in 1985, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after his death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and honor his sacrifice.

The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.

Visit RedRibbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week.