Red Ribbon Week starts Friday; ‘Heroes Connect, Choose, Protect & Lead’

This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.” invites us to think about what being a hero really means.
Heroes aren’t only people who do extraordinary things. They’re the people making positive choices in everyday moments — at home, at school and in their communities.
Across prevention campaigns, we see four simple ways each of us can make a difference: Connect. Choose. Protect. Lead.

Heroes connect
Young people connect by spending meaningful time with their families. Parents and caregivers connect by creating opportunities to talk, listen and stay involved in their children’s lives.
A family meal doesn’t have to be elaborate or perfect. What matters is making time to be present.
We encourage families to eat together, talk together and truly listen to one another.

Heroes choose
Red Ribbon Week reminds us that heroes choose healthy futures.
Young people make choices every day that can help them reach their goals and stay drug free. Adults can support those choices by being positive role models, setting clear expectations and demonstrating healthy behaviors themselves.
Sometimes the most powerful prevention message we can give a child is the example we set.

Heroes protect
Through “Lock Your Meds,” we’re reminded heroes take steps to protect themselves and others.
The majority of teens who misuse drugs don’t get them from drug dealers—they get them from family and friends through medications left unsecured.
Young people need to understand the dangers of medication misuse and know when to ask for help. Parents and caregivers can help protect their homes by safely

storing, monitoring and disposing of medications.
Small actions at home can make an important difference.

Heroes lead
“Safe Homes Smart Parties” encourage parents and caregivers to create alcohol- and drug-free environments for young people while establishing expectations around social activities.
“Safe Homes Smart Parties” reminds us that heroes also lead.
For young people, that can mean looking out for friends, speaking up and making safe choices. For adults, leadership means setting expectations, monitoring activities and helping create safe environments for youth.
Leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest person in the room. Sometimes it simply means having the courage to make the responsible choice — and helping someone else do the same.

 National theme contest
Could your idea inspire next year’s heroes? As we prepare for Red Ribbon Week, students, families and educators are encouraged to start thinking ahead.
This year’s theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.” started with one student and one idea. Now, that message will be shared by schools and communities across the country.
What could next year’s message be? The 2027 National Red Ribbon Theme Contest is open, and now is a great time for students to start brainstorming. (Deadline is Nov. 6. Go to redribbon.org for more information.)
Your words could inspire another student. Your idea could inspire a school. And your message could inspire communities across the nation.

Connect. Choose.
Protect. Lead.
Whether we are connecting as families, choosing healthy futures, protecting our homes or leading by example, each of us has a role to play.
Being a hero doesn’t require superpowers. Sometimes it begins with one conversation, one healthy choice, one safer decision or one person willing to lead.
Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.
(Editor’s note: This article was adapted from a blog post and other information shared at redribbon.org by Red Ribbon Week President & CEO Peggy B. Sapp. More information on “Lock Your Meds” and “Safe Homes Smart Parties” can be found at the website.)