Cass County invited to celebrate 2026 Red Ribbon Week and Month

Last Updated on September 11, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

Schools, businesses, organizations, families and community members are encouraged to help promote healthy, drug-free choices

CASS COUNTY, Ind. — Partners for a Drug Free Cass County and Stand UP Cass County are inviting the entire community to participate in Red Ribbon Week and Month during October 2026.

This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme is: “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.”

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug-prevention awareness campaign. It provides an opportunity for schools, families, businesses and community organizations to work together to encourage healthy choices and create a safer, more supportive community for young people.

“Preventing youth substance use is not something schools or prevention organizations can do alone,” said Nikki Malott of Stand UP Cass County. “It takes an entire community working together. Every business, organization, school, family and individual have an opportunity to make a difference and show young people that Cass County supports their healthy, drug-free future.”

Community Coloring Contests

Businesses and organizations are invited to host their own Red Ribbon coloring contest during
October. Stand UP Cass has the coloring sheet templates, you just download, and print.
Participating organizations will

  • Make the Red Ribbon coloring page available to children and families
  • Collect completed coloring pages
  • Select their own winner or winners
  • Provide a small prize, gift card or recognition for their winners
  • Display the entries at their business or organization, if space allows

Organizations may choose their own contest dates and prize structure; however Red Ribbon Week is nationally October 23-31st. Hosting a coloring contest is a simple way to welcome families, spread the Red Ribbon message and demonstrate support for Cass County youth.

Businesses and organizations may also participate by decorating in red, displaying Red Ribbon materials, sharing prevention messages on social media, providing prizes, sponsoring activities or encouraging employees to wear red.

School Activities and Contests

Cass County schools will participate through morning announcements, classroom and schoolwide activities, and contests coordinated by Partners for a Drug Free Cass County and Stand UP Cass County.

Contests will be divided by grade level:

  • Elementary students, grades K–5, may create a poster showing why they choose to stay
    drug-free or promoting a healthy, drug-free message.
  • Middle and junior high students, grades 6–8, may submit an essay explaining why they
    choose to stay drug-free and how healthy choices can protect their future.
  • High school students, grades 9–12, may submit an original mural design reflecting the
    hero theme or showing why young people choose to stay drug-free.
  • Homeschool youth are invited to participate as well.

School contest entries are due October 9, 2026. Winners will be selected and notified by October 12.

Winners will receive certificates and gift cards and will be invited to the annual Red Ribbon Breakfast and Awards Celebration on Saturday, October 31, from 9–11 a.m. Breakfast will take place from 9–10 a.m., with awards beginning at 10:15 a.m.

More Ways to Participate

Schools and community partners are encouraged to make Red Ribbon Week their own. Participation may include:

  • Wearing red or hosting a Red Ribbon spirit day
  • Decorating doors, windows or community spaces
  • Sharing Red Ribbon messages on social media
  • Hosting trivia, daily challenges or prize drawings
  • Displaying student artwork
  • Sponsoring contest prizes or event supplies
  • Providing healthy snacks, drinks or giveaways
  • Inviting students to write drug-free pledges
  • Recognizing local everyday heroes
  • Discussing healthy choices at home, in classrooms and at community activities

Every level of participation matter. A red ribbon in a window, a positive message shared online, a student activity or a community coloring contest can help remind young people that their choices, goals and futures are important. Businesses, organizations and community groups interested in hosting a coloring contest, receiving materials, donating prizes or participating in Red Ribbon Week and Month may
contact Nikki Malott at nikki@yasinc.org.

Additional information will also be available through the Stand UP Cass County Facebook page and at standupcasscounty.org.

Together, Cass County can make a difference, be a hero and support a healthy, drug-free future
for every young person.

About Stand UP Cass County
Stand UP Cass County is a community coalition that brings together youth, families, schools, businesses, healthcare providers, law enforcement, nonprofit organizations and other community partners to prevent youth substance use, strengthen community connections and support healthy opportunities for young people.

About Partners for a Drug Free Cass County
Partners for a Drug Free Cass County supports local prevention, education and community initiatives that address substance use and promote healthier, safer communities throughout Cass County.

SOURCE: News release from Stand UP Cass County and Partners for a Drug Free Cass County