National Substance Abuse Prevention Month 2021
During the month of October, we are “Connecting Red Ribbons across Kansas” to symbolize our collective commitment to continuing the quest of preventing substance misuse for a stronger Kansas. Our Kansas Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Month campaign will highlight the prevention work being done across Kansas, promote the events happening during the month (including Red Ribbon Week) and share our commitment to safe and healthy communities.
National Substance Abuse Prevention Month
October was first declared National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in 2011 as an observance to highlight the vital role of substance abuse prevention in both individual and community health and to remember those who have lost their lives to substance abuse. Click the button below to check out the resources on substance abuse prevention provide by SAMHSA.
Red Ribbon Week Campaign
Created in 1985, Red Ribbon Week (RRW) is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program. RRW takes place October 23rd – 31st every year. It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs by showing their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon. National Family Partnership is the sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week® Celebration. Click the button below to check out more about this campaign.
Raising Awareness in Kansas
We can reduce substance misuse in our communities by working together. The Kansas Prevention Collaborative utilizes social media platforms to raise awareness and promote the mission of prevention across Kansas. We provide promotion toolkits, shareable posts, and engaging graphics. We invite individuals, groups, organizations, and coalitions to like and follow us and share our messages so prevention can have a greater impact in all Kansas communities.
Register Red Ribbon Events/Activities in Kansas
Are you hosting an event or awareness activity to highlight prevention of substance misuse in your community? Help us promote and connect the red ribbons across Kansas by submitting what you are doing in your local communities for both Red Ribbon Week, which is October 23-31, and for National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.
Click here to submit:
Help in Kansas
Coalitions across Kansas are working together to address the prevention needs and concerns of their communities including substance misuse, suicide prevention and problem gambling. To find a coalition near you check out the responsive Kansas Prevention Collaborative’s (KPC) coalition directory on the KPC website.
Data in Kansas
KANSAS COMMUNITIES THAT CARE (KCTC) STUDENT SURVEY provides data from students to assist in learning what goes on in students’ lives for a better picture of their challenges and the positive influences in their lives.
Prevention Education in Kansas
OPERATION PREVENTION is a free, self-guided virtual educational series designed to prevent opioid misuse for children and youth. During this series youth will discover what medication is, how it works, and when it’s needed. They will learn about the brain and body on opioids, what opioids are, and the opioid epidemic’s impact.
KANSAS PREVENTION CONFERENCE – October 21st – 22nd provides educational opportunities to increase awareness of emerging trends, build skills and knowledge to prevent suicide, alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse, and advocate for best practices.