Talk Now – Red Ribbon Week and Beyond

Red Ribbon Week, occurring each year at the end of October (23-31), is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign. It’s also the perfect time to educate and encourage families and youth to participate in prevention activities nationwide. 

In this episode, our guests are parents motivated to help other parents. Listen as Jamila Robinson, of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), shares more about Red Ribbon Week and how the campaign got started in 1988. You’ll also hear from Simone, a mom from California, about her experiences talking with her kids about alcohol and other drugs. Lastly, Joelle Orrock, coordinator of a local coalition focused on prevention (Sacramento County Coalition for Youth), discusses how her organization brings materials to the community to assist parents like Simone in these efforts.

Look for coalitions like this in your community and use Red Ribbon Week as an opportunity to start talking with your kids about alcohol and other drugs. It marks an important moment in our history and is a great way to get the conversation started.

DEA Programs to explore:  Red Ribbon Week, One Pill Can Kill, Other Materials for Parents, Educators, and Caregivers

This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact [e-mail].