Lincoln – October 23–31 is Red Ribbon Week, a national observance focused on preventing drug use and encouraging healthy, supportive communities. In Nebraska, Red Ribbon Week serves as a reminder of the important role parents, educators, health care professionals, peers, and community members play in helping youth make healthy choices and the importance of immediate access to services for those who need help.
This year’s national theme, “Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.”, emphasizes the choice to live drug-free is an act of leadership and courage. Everyday decisions made by youth and adults can positively shape families, classrooms, workplaces, and communities across the state.
Early education and intervention are key to reducing the impacts of substance use and mental health challenges. Substance use can affect a person’s ability to work, learn, maintain relationships, and manage daily life. In State Fiscal Year 25, over 21,000 Nebraskans were directly reached with community-based prevention resources. Prevention promotes resilience, strengthens families, and supports community well-being.
“Prevention helps individuals build healthy coping skills and supports safer, stronger communities,” said Thomas Janousek, Director of the Division of Behavioral Health at DHHS. “When youth, families, and communities engage in conversations about substance use and learn about available resources, they create a foundation for long-term resilience and recovery across Nebraska. When a crisis or uncertain time affects a youth, they do not have to question next steps. Conversations about prevention and resources will help them know what action to take in critical moments.”
Red Ribbon Week began in 1988, created by the National Family Partnership to honor Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed in 1985 by drug traffickers. The red ribbon became a symbol of the ongoing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs and recognizing those who work to keep communities safe.
Action to strengthen communities and participate in Red Ribbon Week can be taken in several meaningful ways:
Community Engagement
- Wear red ribbons and share them with friends, family, volunteers, staff, and coworkers.
- Share Red Ribbon Week messages and prevention tips on school or community websites, newsletters, and public bulletin boards. www.redribbon.org/resources
- Create or display educational materials in high-traffic areas such as libraries, clinics, grocery stores, recreation centers, and schools.
- Connect with the parents of your children’s friends to encourage consistent expectations and model healthy behaviors.
Neighborhood Support
- Organize conversations with neighbors about community safety and youth substance use.
- Work together to identify concerns and notify one another if suspicious activity is observed.
Medication Safety
- Store medications securely in lockboxes to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
- Dispose of unused prescription drugs safely. Improper disposal may lead to misuse, environmental contamination, or accidental ingestion. Contact local pharmacies for proper disposal guidance.
Accessing Help and Crisis Support
- 988: Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 mental health and substance use crisis support. Your reason is reason enough to reach out for help.
- Same Day Scheduling and Walk-In Access: Find providers offering immediate behavioral health support in your local area at dhhs.ne.gov/sameday.
- NARCAN Access: NARCAN nasal spray can reverse an opioid overdose. Learn how to access it at stopodne.com.
