Red Ribbon Week Celebrates Substance Use Prevention

October celebrates Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running substance use prevention campaign. Traditionally, the campaign is an opportunity for parents and teachers to speak with their children and students about the dangers of drug use, as well as an opportunity to bring awareness and resources to communities across the nation. Much like the name suggests, red ribbons worn or displayed during October 23-31 represent a pledge of living drug free and honoring those who have lost their lives in the fight against drugs. One of the main purposes of this campaign is to normalize conversations of substance use and create dialogue between families, schools, and communities. These conversations can help reduce the ongoing stigma surrounding substance use; a stigma which continues to prevent those suffering to seek treatment.