What is Prevention?
Substance use prevention is a proactive, ongoing process that aims to prevent the initiation and progression of substance use while mitigating associated harms. It is a multidisciplinary approach that reinforces protective factors and addresses risk while promoting overall health and well-being. Prevention plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and improving public health.
What is National Substance Use Prevention Month?
The month of October signifies National Substance Use Prevention Month — a time for communities to come together as partners in prevention. This month is also a time to acknowledge those in recovery, as well as children, parents, family, and friends supporting them.
Each October, SAFE Project is proud to join more than 80 million Americans taking part in Prevention Month, as well as national Red Ribbon Week, which occurs each year from October 23-31. Together we can prioritize prevention and use this month as a springboard for action throughout the entire year.
What is Red Ribbon Week?
Our Red Ribbon Week slogan is “Choose Your Path. Make SAFE Choices.” — this slogan reinforces our goal of ensuring people have information and tools necessary for making meaningful SAFE Choices that respect individual determination, motivation, and personal autonomy.
The simple wearing of a red ribbon is a visible act that shows your support for safe and healthy choices. With this collective action in mind, each year we offer — at no cost — red ribbons to distribute to your networks.
Take Action
Prevention is needed now more than ever as our country works to combat the substance, overdose, and mental health crises that have seriously impacted individuals, families, and communities nationwide.
- Join the No Shame Movement: There is #NoShame in getting help or in talking about mental health and addiction. Join us in creating a nationwide movement to end stigma and support others in speaking up about their own disorders — sign the No Shame Pledge today!
- Sign Up to Be a SAFE Volunteer: Whether you’re a youth or adult, you can help us make a difference by volunteering with SAFE Project.
- Print & Share – Have a Safety Plan: A simple, printable guide to help individuals and families create a safety plan in times of crisis.
- Explore SAFE Solutions: Explore our wiki-based platform that consolidates resources to help communities respond to the substance use crisis.
- Get Help – SAFE Treatment and Support Locator: Use this locator tool to find treatment, recovery, and support services near you.
- Know Medication Safety: Learn how to safely store, manage, and dispose of medications to prevent misuse. An At-Home Drug Disposal program is a critical step in preventing misuse.
Free Training — Expand Your Knowledge
SAFE Project offers a variety of training sessions and webinars to help individuals and communities take actionable steps in addressing substance use and overdose prevention. The following webinar archives from Prevention Month 2024 are available to view:
- Are We Numb to Rising Overdose Numbers: Systems Change for Driving Long-Term Transformation
- Youth Prevention; Transformed by a Paradigm Shift
Additional Training Opportunities:
- Naloxone Training: Learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer naloxone to save a life.
- Schedule a Parent/Teacher/Youth Presentation: Empower parents, teachers, and youth with presentations focused on preventing substance misuse and recognizing warning signs.
Educational Programs
These initiatives are designed to provide education, support, and resources to individuals and communities impacted by substance use. Explore the programs below to learn more about how you can get involved and benefit from SAFE Project’s offerings.
- No Shame Education Program: An educational initiative focused on breaking the stigma around addiction and promoting awareness through community outreach and education.
- Connections Program: A program that helps individuals in recovery build a supportive network, connecting them with resources, peers, and opportunities for continued success.
- Bridging Prevention and Recovery: This program integrates prevention strategies with recovery support, offering a holistic approach to tackling substance use and ensuring long-term recovery.
Youth Voices
2024 Red Ribbons
We have reached our allotment for ribbon distribution this year. Thank you to everyone that ordered — we look forward to receiving photos from your Red Ribbon Week activities! To learn more and register for early notifications about future Red Ribbon distributions, please register below.
Thank you for your support of Red Ribbon Week and all that it represents. SAFE Project is proud to be your partner in prevention during Prevention Month and throughout the entire year! Please consider making a donation to SAFE Project in support of our prevention and Red Ribbon distribution efforts.
