Neighbors Building Neighborhoods Community-Based Prevention Coordinators invites the community to take a visible stand against drugs by celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 23-31. The theme of the 2023 Red Ribbon Week Campaign is Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Drug Free.™ . The theme is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free!

“Red Ribbon Week encourages our entire community to adopt healthy, drug-free lifestyles,” said Scott Welch, community prevention coordinator. “The campaign brings together parents, schools, and businesses as we look for ways to keep kids and communities drugfree.”

The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration was held by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools, and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our communities.

“Red Ribbon Week gives us the opportunity to be vocal and visible in our efforts to achieve a drug-free community,” said Welch.

Research shows that children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don’t yet, only a quarter of teens report having these conversations. Red Ribbon is your opportunity to get the conversation started with your teens.

Red Ribbon Week is a reminder that when the whole community from parents and teachers to police and healthcare workers and everyone in between works together we can make a difference and the possibilities are endless!

If you are interested in learning more about drug prevention initiatives in the community, contact Scott Welch of Neighbors Building Neighborhoods at 918683-4600.