Red Ribbon Week: A Catalyst for Year-Round Substance Use Awareness

Closing out Substance Use Prevention month is Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s longest running and most recognized prevention campaign. Celebrated annually from October 23-31, the week carries significant meaning and elevates the power of prevention. 

Since its beginning in 1985 to honor DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers, millions of people have made the choice to wear a red ribbon. The visible gesture of pinning on a red ribbon is a step that demonstrates support of safe and healthy choices. SAFE Project is one organization that is taking an active role in these efforts, with a mission to provide education, support, and resources to individuals and communities impacted by substance use.

SAFE Project’s Red Ribbon Week slogan is “Choose Your Path. Make SAFE Choices,” which reinforces SAFE Project’s goal of ensuring people have the information and tools needed for making meaningful SAFE Choices that respect individual determination, motivation, and personal autonomy.

The significance of Red Ribbon Week extends beyond mere awareness; it serves as a call to action for individuals and communities to engage in activities that promote a drug-free environment. Schools play a pivotal role by organizing themed days, educational sessions, and community events designed to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to resist peer pressure and make informed decisions.

Ronna Yablonksi, Sr. Director of SAFE Choices at SAFE Project, said, “As we observe Red Ribbon Week, it’s essential to recognize that substance use prevention requires ongoing efforts throughout the year. During prevention month and beyond, SAFE Project is proud to join prevention providers, educators, workplaces, families and individuals who are working to raise awareness and encourage actions that embrace prevention as a proactive, ongoing process. A process that aims to prevent the initiation and progression of substance use while mitigating associated harms.”

In the workplace, Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity to address substance use issues that impact productivity, safety, and employee well-being. According to Pelago’s 2024 Annual State of Substance Use Management Trend Report, 42% of employees have missed work due to personal or family substance use issues. This underscores the importance of supporting prevention efforts by implementing workplace policies that promote substance-free environments and stigma-free support. Employers can do their part by providing access to confidential counseling services and educating employees about the signs of substance misuse and substance use disorders.

By partnering with businesses to offer personalized support for employees seeking healthier lives, Pelago has established itself as a national leader in addressing substance misuse. Our programs include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), designed to integrate seamlessly with health plans and wellness platforms. By adopting these strategies, employers can improve productivity, enhance employee well-being, and reduce healthcare costs while contributing to a supportive workplace culture.

Prevention is a multidisciplinary approach that reinforces protective factors and addresses risk while promoting overall health and well-being. Prevention is building refusal skills, decision-making skills, critical thinking skills and plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and improving health outcomes. Effective prevention is ongoing throughout all phases of life and involves everyone coming together. Together, we can reduce harm and prevent illness and disease through public health approaches rooted in prevention science.

During red ribbon week, SAFE Project is offering expert-led webinars on topics related to substance use prevention, recovery, and community support.

• Are We Numb to Rising Overdose Numbers: Systems Change for Driving Long-Term Transformation  
• Youth Prevention; Transformed by a Paradigm Shift

Also during Red Ribbon Week, Pelagonians across the U.S. are participating in the 2024 Shatterproof Walk to End Addiction Stigma to change negative perceptions about addiction, reverse the addiction crisis, and save lives.

For more information and resources, visit SAFE Project’s Prevention Month Landing Page and the Pelago resource hub. To learn how Pelago and its dedicated substance use management solution can help your organization overcome stigma and promote substance use prevention, check out our introduction to substance use management webpage.