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.

As I reviewed recent data highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article, I was struck by how urgently we need to challenge this narrative. What has been sold to the public as harmless is proving to be anything but.

How the “Safe” Narrative Took Hold

This belief didn’t emerge on its own. It was shaped by several powerful forces:

1. Individual Desire

We all seek relief—relief from pressure, from worry, from the demands of daily life. When people hear that marijuana offers calm or community, it’s easy for them to accept the message without question.

2. A Highly Profitable Marijuana Industry

What began as a conversation about regulation and oversight has evolved into a commercial industry built on advertising, product expansion, and profit.
The industry has crafted a convincing smoke screen: marijuana is good for you, it’s natural, it’s safe.

But follow the money, and you’ll see clearly—this messaging grows profits, not public health.

3. Legislators Influenced by Trends and Revenue

Across the country, lawmakers read the same reports and newsletters promoting marijuana as a booming economic opportunity. When something is popular and profitable, it becomes tempting to simply say “yes.”

However, popularity and profit do not equal safety.

The Data Is Now Impossible to Ignore

The statistics in this article reveal why several states are beginning to rethink—or even reverse—their legalization policies. Rising emergency-room visits, increased mental-health complications, and the dangers of high-potency products are painting a far more serious picture than the public was led to believe.

This may very well be the clarion call we have been waiting for.

It's time to ask:

Is legal and recreational marijuana truly a wise choice for anyone who wants to be healthy?

Where Do We Go From Here?

As this new information comes to light, we have a responsibility to pause, reflect, and look closely at the real impact marijuana is having on individuals, families, and communities. The conversation can’t be driven by profit or popularity—it must be grounded in truth.

My hope is that these emerging statistics will encourage more people to reconsider what they’ve been told and to look beyond the marketing messages that have shaped so much of the public’s perception.

At National Family Partnership, our commitment remains the same: to empower parents, support healthy kids, and champion prevention rooted in science, not slogans.

In the months ahead, we will continue sharing research, elevating data, and bringing clarity to an issue clouded by misinformation. The more we shine a light on the facts, the better equipped families will be to make informed, healthy decisions.

This moment calls for honesty, courage, and a willingness to rethink long-held assumptions. Together, we can shift the narrative, protect our youth, and build stronger, healthier communities.

Peggy B. Sapp
President & CEO

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.

At the University of Maryland Catholic Student Center, attendance has nearly doubled in the past five years. Students are not simply showing up out of obligation; they’re seeking belonging, structure, community, and a sense of moral grounding in a world that often feels chaotic. Many describe faith as a stabilizing force — something that provides clarity when everything else is noisy.

This movement isn’t limited to one faith tradition. Leaders from multiple backgrounds report similar patterns: young people searching for meaning, connection, and values-based guidance that digital culture cannot provide.

The larger surveys still paint a different picture — the long decline in religious affiliation has plateaued, but there is no evidence of a nationwide resurgence. Yet these small pockets of renewed engagement matter. They remind us that today’s youth are not indifferent; they’re discerning. They’re looking for truth, community, and direction — and when they find something that resonates, they commit with remarkable sincerity.

For those of us in prevention, education, and family support, this trend offers hope. It signals that young people are actively searching for grounding influences. It challenges us to continue creating environments where children and families find connection, resilience, and clarity of purpose.

As we move into a new year, may we continue to listen, adapt, and meet families where they are — helping them build strong, values-driven foundations in an ever-changing world.

Wishing you a meaningful December and a hopeful start to 2026.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2025

MIAMI, FL — National Family Partnership (NFP) proudly announces the winners of the 2025 National Red Ribbon Photo Contest, a nationwide initiative that brings families, schools, and communities together to promote drug-use prevention and celebrate living drug-free. This year, thousands of participants showcased their creativity and commitment through powerful photo displays inspired by the 2025 campaign theme: “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free”.

The contest invited individuals and schools across the country to decorate homes, classrooms, and community spaces with bold red ribbons and messages of prevention. Entries were evaluated on creativity, theme communication, and community engagement.

Each year, the contest highlights the remarkable creativity and dedication shown by students, families, and educators across the country. The 2025 winners reflect the powerful impact communities can make when they come together to support drug-free youth.

All winners will be featured at  www.redribbon.org/2025winners, and each receives a $1,000 donation for their school, thanks to the generous support of our co-sponsor, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

2025 National Red Ribbon Photo Contest Winners

Regional Home Winners

• Region 1: Jodie Deane – Cambridge Springs, PA - Cambridge Springs Jr./Sr. High School
• Region 2: Jonna Williams – Swanquarter, NC - Mattamuskeet High School
• Region 3: Carly Collings – Williston, ND - Williston High School
• Region 5: Brody & Madi Kay Reinhart – Nine Mile Falls, WA - Lakeside High School

Regional School Winners

• Region 1: Kelly Sartre - Braintree, MA - Braintree High School
• Region 2: Jennifer Moser, Jackie Ortiz, Richard Ortiz - Glades Middle School – Miramar, FL – Glades Middle School
• Region 3: Becky Hoffman – Lee’s Summit, MO – Pleasant Lea Middle School
• Region 4: A. X. Erica Guevara – Benavides Elementary School – Brownsville, TX
• Region 5: Crystal Suarez – Edison Middle School – Bakersfield, CA
  
  

Judges Awards – Home (Family Category)

• Most Creative: Shawn Burroughs – Williams Township School – Whiteville, NC
• Most Ambitious: Dana Thomson – Fairfield Elementary – Massapequa, NY
• Best Use of Family & Community: Rodderick Brown – iQ Academy California–Los Angeles (iQLA) – Lancaster, CA
• Best Use of Theme: Todd Holloway – Unity Elementary School – Newnan, GA
  
  

Judges Awards – (School Category)

• Most Creative: Jennifer Robinson – Mount Valley Middle School– Canyon Lake, TX
• Most Ambitious: Stephanie DePiano – Lounsberry Hollow School – Vernon, NJ
• Best Use of School & Community: Karina Alanis – North Shore Elementary School – Houston, TX
• Best Use of Theme: Jessie Whitney – Cypress Springs Elementary –
• Most Educational: Mindy Isles – Slippery Rock Area Middle School – Slippery Rock, PA
  
  

About the National Red Ribbon Campaign

Red Ribbon Week, celebrated annually from October 23rd–31st, is the nation’s oldest and largest drug-use prevention campaign. Started in 1985 in honor of fallen DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, the campaign continues to unite families, schools, and communities in promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

About National Family Partnership

For over 40 years, National Family Partnership (NFP) has led the nation in drug-use prevention education and advocacy. Through community partnerships and national initiatives like the Red Ribbon Campaign®, NFP supports families and communities in building a safer, healthier future for children.

Learn more at www.redribbon.org.

Media Contact:

National Family Partnership
Email: info@redribbon.org
Website: www.redribbon.org

As I sat on a call recently, someone asked a thought-provoking question: “Why is prevention such a hard sell?” It’s something I’ve reflected on often over the years.

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.

Let’s look at another field that’s made prevention work: dentistry. For decades, dentists have effectively promoted daily actions—brush after meals, floss regularly, visit every six months. And what happens? We comply! Why? Because we want to avoid that dental chair. There’s a clear connection between preventive habits and positive outcomes.

So why, when it comes to raising healthy, drug-free kids, do we hesitate? When Informed Families shares simple, positive steps—like having dinner together, setting boundaries, or communicating with your children—so many parents say, “We don’t have time.” But the truth is, we do. It’s not about time—it’s about priorities, and perhaps even about accountability. If not you, then who?

Another key piece of prevention is connection. Building strong social networks—families, neighbors, and communities—protects us and our children. Are you intentionally building those networks? Are you nurturing the relationships that help your family grow stronger?

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, I can’t help but think back to the Pilgrims. They paused to express gratitude—not because they had extra time, but because they understood the power of coming together to give thanks for their blessings and their hard work. Gratitude isn’t just a holiday gesture—it’s a mindset that shapes our health and happiness.

Someone asked me recently what has changed most since Informed Families began in 1982. My answer: personal accountability. We live in a time where we believe someone else can fix things for us—if we just pay the right expert or find the right shortcut. But life doesn’t work that way. Life is a do-it-yourself project. Each of us is responsible for building the kind of life and family we want.

So, as you gather around your Thanksgiving table this year, take a moment to ask each person what they’re most thankful for. You might be surprised how gratitude changes the tone of the entire day. It’s one of the most powerful motivators we have—and one of the simplest forms of prevention.

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.

One choice can shape a day, a friendship, or a lifetime.
As parents, mentors, and community leaders, the choices we make — what we say, how we act, and the examples we set — send messages that echo through generations. When we choose to talk openly with our children about the dangers of drug use and model positive ways to manage stress or challenges, we empower them to make decisions that strengthen their futures.

This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme, “Life Is a Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free.™”, reminds us that life is made up of many interconnected pieces — our decisions, relationships, values, and experiences. Each piece influences the next, and together they form the larger picture of who we become. When we make healthy, drug-free choices, the pieces align into a meaningful, successful life.

Looking back, I’m reminded of a story shared with us in 2012 by Ryan Washburn, a member of the New Hampshire Army National Guard Counterdrug Program. Ryan reached out as he prepared to visit local schools and speak with students about living drug free. He also organized helicopter flyovers to capture aerial photos of schools forming red ribbon shapes on their grounds — a powerful image of unity and purpose.

In my response to Ryan, I encouraged him to tell students that each one of them has the power of “one.” One person can make a difference — for their friends, families, schools, and communities. One person who chooses to live drug free creates a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same. But one person who chooses to use drugs may close the door to opportunities — college acceptance, scholarships, career goals, and even the ability to fly a helicopter, like Ryan does today.

That same message was reflected in a program created by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Beth Bloom and her son, Jacob Stern, founders of the Listen UP program. The program educates and empowers parents to take action to prevent permanent consequences from their teens’ mistakes. It raises important questions many families overlook: What happens when your child is caught with a fake ID? Can you be fined or jailed for serving alcohol at a party held in your home? Their goal is to help parents understand that actions have consequences — some short term, others long term — but all shaping the direction of one’s life.

At National Family Partnership, we continue to share these lessons because prevention is not just a one-time message; it’s a way of life. It begins at home with open communication, family connection, and consistent guidance. It grows when schools, businesses, and communities unite around the same purpose — encouraging every young person to make strong, smart, drug-free choices.

As we celebrate Red Ribbon Week from October 23–31, I invite you to take part in one small action that supports prevention. Light your home or business in red. Wear your red ribbon proudly. Talk with a child about how one choice can change everything.

Together, we’re helping every individual — one person, one choice, and one puzzle piece at a time — create a brighter, drug-free future.

September is a special month at National Family Partnership 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.

Sometimes, the most effective ways to strengthen families aren’t complicated. They’re simple, intentional acts we can all put into practice. Here are some easy, yet powerful ways to create a healthy, connected home:

1. Share a Meal Together

Eating dinner (or any meal) with your children is one of the strongest protective factors against risky behaviors. Use this time not just to eat, but to talk and share. Try simple questions like:

• What was the best thing that happened to you today?

• What was the hardest thing that happened?

These conversations open the door for children and adults alike to share feelings, instead of letting them build up silently.

2. Practice Gratitude

Encourage every family member to share one thing they’re grateful for. An “attitude of gratitude” helps shift focus from stress to positivity and strengthens resilience.

3. Disconnect to Connect

Phones on the table mean distractions. During family time, put devices away and on silent so you can focus fully on each other.

4. Create a Family Bulletin Board

Post schedules, contact information, and even a family chore chart where everyone can see it. A sense of structure, belonging, and purpose helps children feel safe and supported.

5. Reflect on Traditions and Values

Ask yourself: What social or cultural norms shape our family? Do we attend religious services together? What routines help us feel connected? Recognizing and practicing these traditions builds identity and belonging.

6. Make Time When Dinner Isn’t Possible

Busy schedules don’t always allow for family dinners. That’s okay. Try Family Table Time, a flexible way to connect at another time that works for your family. The point isn’t when you gather—it’s that you gather.

Why It Matters

Structure, belonging, and purpose are critical for healthy families. When we model intentional connection, we give our children tools to thrive.

This Family Day, join National Family Partnership in making meals matter. Use our Family Day Placemat to spark conversation and practice these simple strategies together.

Download the Family Day Placemat 

Together, we can make every day Family Day.

National Family Partnership proudly welcomes the newly appointed DEA Administrator, Mr. Terry Cole, and look forward to working together to strengthen prevention efforts, reduce drug demand, and build safer, healthier communities nationwide.

Terrance C. “Terry” Cole was sworn in as Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration on July 23, 2025. With over 31 years of public service, including two decades as a DEA Special Agent, he brings deep operational expertise and a lifelong commitment to public safety. From leading major domestic and international assignments to overseeing Virginia’s public safety agencies and achieving the nation’s largest overdose death reduction, Administrator Cole’s career reflects dedication, leadership, and results. Now, he is guiding the DEA into a new era of enforcement, partnerships, and life-saving prevention efforts.

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

Today’s families face countless distractions—packed schedules, digital devices, social media noise—all pulling us in different directions. Add to that the challenge of loved ones living in different cities, time zones, or even college campuses, and staying close takes more creativity than ever.

But connection is still possible. It just requires intention.

Here are a few simple, modern ways families can reconnect—even from afar:

• Schedule weekly meaningful time. Make it a priority to carve out time each week—whether it’s a game night, dinner, or a quick ice cream outing. For loved ones away at college or living far from home, a simple Zoom call can help bridge the gap. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just a consistent moment to catch up, share a laugh, and stay connected, no matter the distance.
• Pick one device-free night each week. Whether it’s dinner, a walk, or a game night—being fully present matters more than what you do.
• Use conversation starters. Ask questions that go beyond “How was your day?” Try: What made you laugh this week? or What would you do with a million dollars?
  
• Share your calendar. Knowing what’s going on in each other’s lives helps everyone feel more connected, even when apart.

At the National Family Partnership, our mission is to support families in building strong, healthy relationships—because when kids feel connected, they’re less likely to turn to risky behaviors like drugs or alcohol.

Our four prevention campaigns are designed to help parents do just that:

1. Family Day – Celebrating shared meals and togetherness.
2. Red Ribbon Week – Encouraging safe, drug-free choices.
3. Lock Your Meds – Promoting responsible prescription storage.
4. Safe Homes Smart Parties – Guiding families to create safe social environments for teens.

Whether it’s reviving the tradition of Sunday dinners or embracing new tools like virtual gatherings, the message is simple: consistent, intentional time together matters.

Let’s make connection a priority—wherever we are.

Warmly,
Peggy B. Sapp
President

This Fourth of July, as we celebrate the birth of a nation built on liberty and hope, let us also honor the responsibility that comes with that freedom: to protect our families, our communities, and our future.

In 2020, the United States Postal Service along with the Drug Enforcement Administration issued the Drug Free USA Forever Stamp—a small symbol with a powerful message. Its bold red, white, and blue star reminded Americans that staying drug-free is not just a personal choice—it’s a patriotic one.

The Drug Free USA Forever Stamp (Scott #5542) was issued by USPS on October 27, 2020, during Red Ribbon Week—a nationwide campaign to promote drug prevention museum.dea.gov+11about.usps.com+11about.usps.com+11.

A Nation’s Strength Starts at Home

This Independence Day, let’s carry that message forward:

•  Choose health over harm.
•  Support loved ones with compassion and courage.
• Create safe, supportive spaces for our youth.

By committing to a drug-free life, we preserve the promise of freedom for the next generation. We show that patriotism is more than waving a flag—it’s standing up for what keeps our nation strong.

This Fourth of July, light a firework, raise a flag, and make a pledge:

Sign the Red Ribbon Pledge

To live free. To live strong. To live drug-free.

Like the stamp says - this message lasts forever.

______________________________________________________________________________

This Fourth of July let’s celebrate freedom not only with fireworks, but with actions that strengthen our families, our neighborhoods, and our nation’s future. As we gather under the red, white, and blue, let’s recommit ourselves to three simple pillars of true American spirit: Civic Pride in Action, Family & Community Bonds and Building a Drug-Free Tomorrow.

1. Civic Pride in Action:

• Volunteer Together: Support the Informed Families campaign, visit our resource table at local events and earn community service hours supporting out staff at events. Every hour you give back is an investment in the community that built us all.
• Stay Informed & Engaged: Take a few minutes to learn about Informed Families by joining our four prevention campaigns, sign up to receive our Newsletter, and follow us on social media. Knowledge is the first step to real change.
   
  • Instagram 
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

2. Family & Community Bonds

• Gather & Share Stories: Invite parents, grandparents, friends or local heroes to tell their stories of service and sacrifice. Let children—and grown-ups see how each generation has lifted America forward.
• Host a “Patriot Picnic”: Ask family and friends to bring a dish that represents their heritage. Celebrate the diversity that makes our nation strong, while reinforcing the ties that bind us.

3. Building a Drug-Free Tomorrow

• Make a Family Pledge: On the eve of July 4th, sit together and pledge to support one another in making healthy, drug-free choices. Take a photo and share it on our social media channels.
• Community Resources: Partner with Informed Families to learn about our prevention campaigns and parent support groups. Knowledge saves lives.