To: Board of Supervisors
From: Dr. Grant Colfax, Health Services Director
Report Title: Red Ribbon Week Proclamation October 23-31, 2026
Recommendation: Recommendation of the County Administrator
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution proclaiming Red Ribbon Week on October 23-31, 2026 in Contra Costa County, in recognition to the ongoing alcohol and other drugs prevention efforts by schools and prevention community organizations to increase safety and well-being among Contra Costa residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
Once a year, Behavioral Health and its partners acknowledge Red Ribbon Week in Contra Costa County on October 23-31, 2026, to highlight substance use prevention efforts to increase awareness, safety and well-being of Contra Costa residents.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to adopt this resolution would result in a missed opportunity to formally recognize Red Ribbon Week and may reduce the visibility and impact of substance use prevention efforts.
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
and for Special Districts, Agencies and Authorities Governed by the Board
body
IN THE MATTER OF DECLARING OCTOBER 23RD - 31ST, 2026 “RED RIBBON WEEK” IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
WHEREAS, on the occasion of the proclamation of “National Red Ribbon Week,” Contra Costa County joins schools and communities across California-including the Community Alliance for Drug Free Youth (CADFY), parent community organizations, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Governor, the Office of the Attorney General, the State Department of Education, the California Parent Teacher Association, and over 100 statewide agencies and organizations-to demonstrate their commitment to drug free lifestyles; and
WHEREAS, the National Family Partnership, Inc., initiated the Red Ribbon Campaign after Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was killed by drug traffickers in 1985; and
WHEREAS, alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine vaping remain among the most commonly used substances by youth nationwide, contributing to academic, behavioral, and health challenges that continue to pose significant public health concerns, with early initiation increasing the risk of later substance use disorders and associated harms and can impact long term well being and community safety; and
WHEREAS, in the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 44.6 million people aged 12 or older (or 15.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 25.7 million people who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), and among people aged 12 or older, the percentage who used cannabis in the past year increased from 19.0% (or 53.2 million people) in 2021 to 21.2% (or 61.6 million people) in 2025; and
WHEREAS, in 2023, the United States experienced 105,007 drug overdose deaths, with synthetic opioids-primarily illicitly manufactured fentanyl-continuing to drive mortality trends, and stimulant-involved deaths (including cocaine and psychostimulants) also increasing during that period; and
WHEREAS, delaying substance use until after adolescence significantly reduces the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder, and every dollar spent on effective school-based prevention programming yields substantial returns in averted healthcare costs, improved academic outcomes, and long-term productivity; and
WHEREAS, delaying substance use until after adolescence significantly reduces the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder and that every dollar spent on effective school-based prevention programs returns $18 in averted medical costs and improved productivity. By investing in evidence-based and promising strategies like youth-led programs which contribute to the development of our youth’s full potential, we can continue to make progress and protect our future; and
WHEREAS, this year, County Behavioral Health-together with Alcohol and Other Drugs Services providers, schools, and community based organizations-will coordinate Red Ribbon Week activities to offer residents the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to healthy, alcohol , cannabis , and vape free lifestyles by wearing Red Ribbons and participating in prevention events throughout the week; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes October 23 through 31, 2026, as Red Ribbon Week, with the theme “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.”, and encourages all residents to participate in alcohol, vaping, and other drug prevention programs and activities.