Red Ribbon Realities Slides
Red Ribbon Week 2026
Grade 9 • 20–30 Minute Lesson
Theme: "Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™"
REAL CHOICES, REAL POWER
The story of Red Ribbon Week, vital truths about prescription pills and fentanyl, life-saving Narcan basics, and simple refusal skills to protect yourself and your friends.
Be A Hero
Theme & Kiki's Legacy
Pills & Fentanyl
One Pill Can Kill
Narcan & Refusal
Saving lives & saying no
2026 National Theme
National Family Partnership
"Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.™"
Every one of us has the power to be a hero through the choices we make and the examples we set.
Decades of Unity
For decades, Red Ribbon Week has united families, schools, businesses, and communities in promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles.
What began as a tribute to DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena has grown into a nationwide movement that continues to inspire generations of young people.
You don't need superpowers to be a hero—making healthy choices protects you and your friends. #BeAHero
History & Origins
Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena
1947 – 1985 • Calexico, CA
U.S. Marine • Firefighter • Police Officer • DEA Agent
The Red Satin Ribbon
In 1985, Kiki was kidnapped and murdered by drug cartels while investigating illegal trafficking. In his hometown, friends and neighbors wore red satin ribbons to honor his sacrifice and reject drugs.
Kiki's Timeless Belief
"Even if I'm only one person, I want to make a difference."
In 1988, the first National Red Ribbon Celebration was held. Today, millions of students wear red to continue his mission.
What started with red ribbons pinned to shirts in Calexico is now the largest drug-prevention campaign in America.
Prescription Medicines
Understanding Misuse
What is Prescription Drug Abuse?
Taking medicine without a prescription, in a way other than prescribed, or for the feelings or high it gives you.
1. Painkillers (Opioids)
Oxycodone, Vicodin, Codeine. Prescribed for severe pain. Can stop breathing and cause rapid addiction.
2. Depressants
Xanax, Valium. Prescribed for anxiety. Slows brain activity; mixing with alcohol can be immediately fatal.
3. Stimulants
Adderall, Ritalin. Prescribed for ADHD. Increases heart rate; dangerous to misuse as an unprescribed "study aid."
Danger: A pill that is safe for a specific patient can be lethal to someone else with different body chemistry.
Substance Reality
What is Fentanyl?
2 Milligrams (0.002g)
A lethal dose is about 3 grains of salt on a pencil tip.
Extreme Potency
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid made for severe hospital pain. Because it is cheap to manufacture, drug cartels secretly add it to fake pills and powders.
50x
Stronger than heroin
100x
Stronger than morphine
Effect on the Body
Fentanyl causes respiratory depression—it signals the brain to slow down breathing until the person suffocates in their sleep. You cannot see, smell, or taste it.
In people who have never taken opioids, even less than 2 mg can cause instant fatal overdose. Zero Margin for Error
DEA Public Alert • Counterfeit Prescription Drugs
One Pill Can Kill
NO PHARMACY LABEL IN YOUR NAME = NEVER SAFE TO TAKE. Protect your life.
Emergency Response
Narcan® (Naloxone): Anyone Can Save a Life
1 Check Response
Shout and rub breastbone firmly. Look for stopped breathing or pale/blue lips and nails.
2 Give Narcan Spray
Insert nozzle into either nostril and press plunger firmly until it clicks to deliver 4mg dose.
3 Call 911 Right Away
Stay with them. Narcan wears off in 30–90 minutes; professional medical care is urgent.
Over-the-Counter & Safe: Available without a prescription. Good Samaritan laws protect anyone who helps in an emergency.
How to Say "No" Without Drama
Refusal Skills
1. Say It Direct
"No thanks, I'm good." Keep eye contact and speak calmly. You don't owe an explanation.
2. Blame a Rule
"My coach does tests" or "My parents check my bag." Use an outside excuse.
3. Switch Focus
"I'm starving, let's grab food" or "Let's queue up the next match." Change the subject fast.
4. Walk Away
If pressure continues, walk away. True friends respect your choice—anyone pushing is not your friend.
Turn to page 2 of your worksheet to script your refusal responses! Practice builds confidence.
Take The Pledge
National Family Partnership
Official Student Commitment
"I Pledge To Grow Up Safe, Healthy & Drug Free"
1. Understand
Know the real dangers of drug use, counterfeit pills, and fentanyl.
2. Respect
Respect yourself, your body, and your goals by staying drug free.
3. Spread the Word
Share with family and friends the importance of being healthy and drug free.
Need confidential support? Call or Text 988 Lifeline
Sign your pledge on your worksheet!
Clear Choices Worksheet
RED RIBBON WEEK: REAL CHOICES
Grade 9 • Facts, Safety, and Refusal Skills Handout
Name
Date
Period
Brief Lesson Summary: What You Need to Know
1. The Red Ribbon Story In 1985, DEA Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was killed while fighting illegal cartels. Friends wore red satin ribbons to honor his stand. It reminds us: one person can make a difference.
2. Prescription Pill Misuse Misuse is taking pills not prescribed to you or to get high. The 3 main abused types: painkillers (opioids), depressants (sedatives), and stimulants (ADHD meds).
3. Fentanyl: One Pill Can Kill Fentanyl is 50x stronger than heroin. Just 2 mg (3 grains of salt) is lethal. Illegal sellers press it into fake pills that look real. Over 44% of fake pills contain a deadly dose.
1
Check Your Knowledge
1. What does wearing the red ribbon represent, and what was Kiki Camarena's motto about one person?
2. Name the three most abused classes of prescription pills and one danger of using each without a prescription:
3. Why is taking a pill bought on social media or from a friend so dangerous even if it looks like a real pharmacy pill?
4. How small is a lethal dose of fentanyl compared to everyday items, and what does it do to someone's breathing?
2
Four Golden Rules for Safe Medicine Use
Rule 1: Name on the Bottle
Only take medication prescribed directly to you by your doctor.
Rule 2: Read Directions
Always follow dosage instructions. Never take extra or change doses.
Rule 3: Never Share Pills
Never give pills away or take someone else's, even for a quick headache.
Rule 4: Safe Disposal
Safely discard expired or unused pills at community drug take-back boxes.
Red Ribbon Realities • Student Handout Page 1 of 2 Turn over for Refusal Skills & Pledge →
PART II: REFUSAL TIPS & PRACTICE SCENARIOS
Applied Life Skills
3
Your Refusal Skills Toolbox (Simple & Direct)
1. Say It Direct
"No thanks, I'm good." Speak calmly with steady eye contact.
2. Blame a Rule / Goal
"My coach tests" or "I have a big meet tomorrow morning."
3. Change the Subject
Clear Choices Facilitator Guide
FACILITATOR GUIDE & PACING
Grade 9 • Rapid 20–30 Minute Implementation
Class Period: 20–30 Min Freshman Advisory / Health / Assembly
Lesson Core Goals
- Understand the "Be a Hero" theme & Kiki Camarena's story.
- Learn the 3 prescription drug types and misuse definition.
- Understand fentanyl lethality (2 mg pencil tip) & fake pills.
- Know Narcan (Naloxone) emergency use & practice refusal.
High-Impact Delivery
In a 20–30 minute window, focus on clear facts, practical overdose awareness, and direct peer refusal. Direct students quickly into the worksheet so they leave with practical language and a signed pledge.
Accelerated Instructional Timeline (20–30 Minutes)
00–05 Min
Hook, Theme & Kiki Camarena (Slides 1–3):
Review theme: "Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free." Share Kiki Camarena's story and quote: "Even if I'm only one person, I want to make a difference." Explain the origin of the red ribbon.
05–14 Min
Pills, Fentanyl Pencil Tip & One Pill Can Kill (Slides 4–6):
Define misuse and 3 pill classes. Emphasize Slide 5's pencil tip image: 2 mg (3 grains of salt) is lethal. Show Slide 6: fake pills sold on social apps look real, but 44%+ contain a deadly fentanyl dose.
14–19 Min
Narcan (Naloxone) Overdose Reversal (Slide 7):
Explain that Narcan is an over-the-counter nasal spray that reverses opioid overdoses and restores breathing within minutes. Review 3 steps: check response, give nasal spray, call 911 immediately. Note Good Samaritan protections.
19–26 Min
Refusal Skills & 2 Scenarios Practice (Slide 8 & Worksheet):
Walk through the 4 refusal tips. Have students script Scenarios A & B (locker room pressure & unprescribed study pill). Students practice saying their lines aloud with a partner.
26–30 Min
Sign the Enlarged Pledge & Wrap-Up (Slide 9 & Worksheet):
Read the enlarged Red Ribbon Pledge aloud together. Students sign their personal commitment on page 2. Reinforce campus support resources and the 988 Lifeline.
Teacher Speaking Highlights
Narcan is Safe for Anyone:
Emphasize that Narcan cannot be abused and causes no harm if given to someone not on opioids. Anyone can administer it in an emergency.
Keep Refusal Lines Short:
Coach freshmen that the best refusal is short and unemotional: "No thanks, I'm good." Over-explaining invites pushback.
