The official 2026 Red Ribbon Week® theme, “Make A Difference. Be A Hero. Stay Drug Free.™,” encourages young people to recognize that choosing a healthy, drug-free lifestyle is an act of courage, leadership, and positive influence. Created by Ava Tackett, a student at Griswold Middle School in Connecticut, the theme reminds students that heroes are not limited to fictional characters, celebrities, or athletes. They can be classmates, friends, family members, teachers, and community leaders who make responsible choices and encourage others to do the same.

Topics: positive parenting, safe homes smart parties, underage drinking, summer, Youth Prevention, teen party safety, summer safety, parenting teens

Summer gives kids and teens more freedom, more downtime, and more chances to get together with friends. That can be a great thing. Pool parties, sleepovers, beach days, birthdays, and backyard hangouts are all part of making memories.

But before you say yes to the next invitation, it is worth taking a quick pause.

Topics: positive parenting, safe homes smart parties, underage drinking, summer, Youth Prevention, teen party safety, summer safety, parenting teens

For far too long, a powerful misconception has shaped conversations across America: the belief that marijuana is safe. Many people genuinely want to believe this—because life is stressful, connection is important, and fitting in feels good. But wanting something to be true does not make it true.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse

As we close out the year, I’ve been reflecting on a fascinating trend recently highlighted in The Washington Post: a quiet but growing spiritual reawakening among some young adults. While national data shows that many in Gen Z continue to step away from organized religion, faith leaders across the country are seeing something unexpected — a small but deeply committed group of students leaning into faith with renewed purpose and conviction.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse

Turn on the news and you’ll notice—bad stories dominate the headlines. We seem drawn to the drama, the fear, the chaos. Maybe it gives us a strange sense of adrenaline or relief—“thank goodness that’s not me.” But what about the quiet stories of success, of prevention, of families making healthy choices every day? Those don’t often make the front page, even though they shape stronger, safer communities.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse

Every October, millions of families, schools, and communities unite to celebrate Red Ribbon Week, a tradition that continues to remind us of the power of prevention and the importance of making safe, healthy choices. Since 1985, this campaign has stood as a national symbol of hope — built around one simple, yet life-changing truth: the power of one choice.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse

September is a special month at Informed Families as we celebrate Family Day on September 22—a national movement that reminds us of the power of eating meals together and making time for meaningful connection.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse

Informed Families proudly welcome the newly appointed DEA Administrator, Mr. Cole, and look forward to working together to strengthen prevention efforts, reduce drug demand, and build safer, healthier communities nationwide.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse

Remember when Sunday dinner at grandma’s was the weekly tradition? When family time meant gathering around a table—not around separate screens? While times have changed, the need for real connection hasn’t.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse

As summer begins, I’m reminded of something we say often at Informed Families: Prevention doesn’t take a break.

Topics: President's Message, lock your meds, safe parties, safe homes smart parties, alcohol, Informed Families, lock your meds pledge, alcohol use, summer, alcohol abuse, substance abuse