National Red Ribbon Week
Emphasizing Prevention Across the United States
October 23–31, 2009

Did You Know?

In 2008, 2.3 million youth age 12 to 17 were current illicit drug users. Also, the number of people starting to abuse prescription drugs has caught up with the number of people starting to use marijuana.

Sources: Office of Applied Studies and Office of National Drug Control Policy

In support of Red Ribbon Week, SAMHSA emphasizes the prevention of misusing prescription medications and of underage drinking. Combining consistent no-use rules with ongoing parent-child discussions about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs and the dangers of alcohol for young people can help children and teens make healthy choices.

SAMHSA also supports Red Ribbon Week by offering a number of resources that can help families and communities plan Red Ribbon Week activities. Be sure to check out the resources.

See the Resources and Start Planning

Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the United States, is turning its focus in 2009 toward preventing children from abusing prescription drugs with the Lock Your Meds campaign.

Developed by Red Ribbon Week and sponsored by the National Family Partnership, the Lock Your Meds campaign aims to increase awareness about the dangers of abusing prescription drugs and provides simple suggestions on how caretakers can prevent children and teens from obtaining and misusing dangerous medications.