At the Informed Families, we believe that every parent, grandparent, educator, and community leader has the power to make a difference in a child’s life. And sometimes, that difference begins in the most unexpected place—your own medicine cabinet.

The National Family Partnership (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 Griswold, 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,”

“You can be a hero to other people by not using drugs and inspire them to choose a healthy lifestyle. Heroes inspire others...like Batman to Robin!”

Ava’s teacher, Kristen Butremavic, also highlighted the theme’s impact on students, noting that it helps them see that role models aren’t only adults or athletes—they’re classmates making healthy choices and leading with confidence and kindness.

Peggy B. Sapp, President of Informed Families &  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.