Published on Oct 25, 2023 | 2:32 PM
Share Article :
What Is Red Ribbon Week?
Red Ribbon Week is a national drug and alcohol prevention awareness campaign observed annually in the United States, typically during the last week of October. It is designed to promote healthy, drug-free lifestyles among children, adolescents, families, and communities.
The campaign encourages education, open conversation, and community involvement around substance use prevention, with a strong emphasis on youth awareness and early intervention.
Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 following the death of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed while investigating drug trafficking. In response, communities started wearing red ribbons to honor his sacrifice and to symbolize a commitment to living drug-free.
What started as a grassroots movement grew into the largest drug prevention campaign in the United States, supported by schools, families, healthcare organizations, and community groups nationwide.
The red ribbon serves as a visible symbol of:
Awareness of substance misuse and its impact
Commitment to healthy, drug-free choices
Support for prevention education and community responsibility
Wearing a red ribbon represents a personal and collective pledge to make safe, healthy decisions.
Substance use often begins during adolescence, making early education and prevention critical. Red Ribbon Week provides an opportunity to start age-appropriate conversations about drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, and decision-making.
Research consistently shows that prevention programs focused on education, family involvement, and skill-building can reduce risky behaviors and support long-term health outcomes.
Red Ribbon Week is observed by:
Schools and educators
Students of all ages
Parents and families
Community organizations
Healthcare providers
Activities may include school assemblies, classroom discussions, themed spirit days, educational materials, and community events focused on prevention and wellness.
Healthcare providers play an important role in substance use prevention by offering education, screening, and early support. Routine conversations about mental health, stress, and coping strategies help identify risk factors before substance misuse develops.
Access to confidential medical guidance also reduces stigma and encourages individuals and families to seek help when concerns arise.
Call-On-Doc supports prevention and education by providing accessible, judgment-free healthcare for individuals and families.
Through telehealth, patients can:
Discuss concerns about substance use or mental health
Receive screening and education
Access care early without barriers or stigma
Healthcare that fits your life — not your calendar.
updated 01/26/2026 Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.
Why UTIs Become More Common After Menopause
If you've noticed that urinary tract infections (UTIs) seem to happen more often after menopause, you're not imagining it.
As estrogen levels decline during menopause, changes occur throughout the urinary tract and vaginal tissues that make it easier for bacteria to grow and cause infection. While UTIs are common, they are not an inevitable part of aging. Understanding why they occur can help you take steps to reduce your risk and know when to seek treatment.
Aug 03, 2026 | 5:09 PM
Read More
Why Your Brain Keeps Replaying Embarrassing Moments
Do you ever lie awake replaying something awkward you said years ago?
If so, you're not alone. Most people occasionally replay embarrassing moments in their minds. This happens because your brain is designed to learn from experiences—especially ones that feel emotionally important. For most people, these thoughts are normal and fade with time. However, when they become frequent, difficult to control, or interfere with daily life, they may be related to anxiety, chronic stress, or a pattern called rumination.
Stress
Anxiety
Perfectionism
Fear of being judged
Social anxiety
Fatigue
Major life changes
Low self-confidence
Aug 03, 2026 | 4:58 PM
Read More
Why You Walk Into a Room and Forget Why You're There
Have you ever walked into a room only to stop and wonder, "Why did I come in here?"
You're not alone. This common experience usually isn't a sign of serious memory loss. Instead, it's often related to how your brain processes attention and short-term memory. Stress, lack of sleep, multitasking, anxiety, and even simply walking through a doorway can interrupt your train of thought.
While occasional memory lapses are a normal part of life, frequent or worsening memory problems should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Multitasking
Stress
Lack of sleep
Mental fatigue
Anxiety
Distractions
Hormonal changes
Aug 03, 2026 | 4:45 PM
Read More
Why UTIs Become More Common After Menopause
If you've noticed that urinary tract infections (UTIs) seem to happen more often after menopause, you're not imagining it.
As estrogen levels decline during menopause, changes occur throughout the urinary tract and vaginal tissues that make it easier for bacteria to grow and cause infection. While UTIs are common, they are not an inevitable part of aging. Understanding why they occur can help you take steps to reduce your risk and know when to seek treatment.
Aug 03, 2026 | 5:09 PM
Why Your Brain Keeps Replaying Embarrassing Moments
Do you ever lie awake replaying something awkward you said years ago?
If so, you're not alone. Most people occasionally replay embarrassing moments in their minds. This happens because your brain is designed to learn from experiences—especially ones that feel emotionally important. For most people, these thoughts are normal and fade with time. However, when they become frequent, difficult to control, or interfere with daily life, they may be related to anxiety, chronic stress, or a pattern called rumination.
Stress
Anxiety
Perfectionism
Fear of being judged
Social anxiety
Fatigue
Major life changes
Low self-confidence
Aug 03, 2026 | 4:58 PM
Why You Walk Into a Room and Forget Why You're There
Have you ever walked into a room only to stop and wonder, "Why did I come in here?"
You're not alone. This common experience usually isn't a sign of serious memory loss. Instead, it's often related to how your brain processes attention and short-term memory. Stress, lack of sleep, multitasking, anxiety, and even simply walking through a doorway can interrupt your train of thought.
While occasional memory lapses are a normal part of life, frequent or worsening memory problems should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Multitasking
Stress
Lack of sleep
Mental fatigue
Anxiety
Distractions
Hormonal changes
Aug 03, 2026 | 4:45 PM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Be the first to know when we offer deals.
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?