Red Ribbon Weeks is October 23-31
National Red Ribbon Week is observed annually, October 23-31, to highlight the importance of living a drug-free life. During this week, communities across the country participate in activities and events to learn about the effects of substance misuse and the importance of making healthy choices.
This year's theme, Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.™, serves as a powerful reminder that ordinary Americans contribute to their communities every day by embracing a drug-free lifestyle.
How to get involved
There are lots of ways to participate, from becoming a Red Ribbon Week ambassador to planting red flower bulbs which will bloom in spring and serve as a reminder of the beauty of a drug-free life. Here are some other ways you can get involved in Red Ribbon Week:
- Share your support on social media. Print out the Red Ribbon theme sign, add your name, and post a picture of you holding the sign using the hashtag #LiveDrugFree.
- Host a town hall event. Red Ribbon Week is a great opportunity to share and discuss local use trends and risk/protective factors and engage community members in your prevention work.
- Plan a Red Ribbon caravan. Contact your local fire or police department and ask them to join your car caravan in honor of Red Ribbon Week. Consider using this year's theme as inspiration for participants to decorate their cars!
- Talk to the youth and young adults in your life about substance use. Set clear expectations around substance use and let them know you're there for them. Visit StartTalkingNow.org for tips on how to start the conversation.
Visit National Family Partnership's Red Ribbon website for more ways to participate!