This year's Red Ribbon Week Theme is "Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free." The theme reminds us that when we respect ourselves, we make healthy choices that support our bodies and minds and enable us to reach our full potential.

To give you a little background, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated in over a hundred thousand schools nationwide, reaching an estimated 80 million individuals annually, bringing awareness and support for safe, healthy and drug free children in the United States and beyond. Between October 23rd and 31st each year, schools organize Red Ribbon Week activities and celebrations, from pep rallies and essay contests to decorating the school and hosting special assemblies with prevention professionals and local celebrities providing a drug-free message to children.

Show your respect for your children this Red Ribbon Week. Use this opportunity to begin or continue the dialogue with your kids about the dangers of drug use and abuse. By expressing disapproval of the use of drugs (and better yet, by promoting healthy lifestyles, self-love and self-respect), you can significantly reduce the likelihood that your child(ren) will use substances.

Want to start the conversation in a fun, casual and creative way? Enter the National Red Ribbon Photo Contest! Work together to decorate your home front door, mailbox or fence - and use the opportunity to get the dialogue going.

Looking for guidance on how to talk to your children about this sometimes difficult topic? Don't know how to start the conversation? Not to worry! We have developed a parent guide just for you, featuring ten tips to keep your kids drug free and other great information.