As summer begins, I’m reminded of something we say, prevention doesn’t take a break.

When school is out, teens have more time on their hands and fewer structured activities—and while summer can be a time of growth, freedom, and fun, it can also bring increased risks. Research shows that first-time substance use often happens during the summer, simply because kids have more unsupervised time and opportunities.

That’s why this month, I want to encourage all of us—families, schools, and communities—to see summer as a season of prevention. It’s a unique window to stay connected, stay informed, and continue building the habits that keep our children safe, healthy, and drug-free.

Here are a few ways we can all support prevention this summer:

1. Set a Summer Routine

Teens may not say it, but they do better with structure. Establish a daily rhythm that works for your family. You can even align screen time with the hottest part of the day, so they’re staying cool and out of the sun. Routines don’t need to be rigid—they just need to offer consistency.

2. Keep Them Engaged

Keeping teens busy in meaningful ways over the summer can help reduce boredom, limit screen time, and lower the risk of risky behavior. Here are some practical ideas for all types of families:

• Break Down the Summer Reading List
  Help your teen divide their reading into manageable chunks. Create a simple checklist they can mark off daily or weekly so it doesn’t feel overwhelming by August.
• Start a Daily Challenge
  It could be a fitness goal, journaling prompt, or creative activity—something small they do each day to stay consistent and motivated. Get their friends involved.
• Volunteer Together, friends included!
  Many local nonprofits, churches, and animal shelters welcome teen volunteers. It’s a great way to build responsibility and give back.
• Host a Theme Night at Home!
  Pick a night each week for a fun family activity, include their friends—movie night, DIY pizza, game night, or a cultural dinner night where you cook food from a different country.
• Explore Local Resources
  Check your library, community center, or parks department for free or low-cost programs, classes, or events.
• Plan a “Staycation”
  Visit local museums, nature trails, or tourist spots in your area you’ve never explored. Make it a fun photo challenge or scavenger hunt.
• Encourage a Summer Job or Side Hustle
  Babysitting, dog walking, mowing lawns, or even selling handmade crafts online—these teach responsibility and independence.
• Enroll in a Camp or Workshop
  Whether it’s art, tech, music, or sports, specialized camps can fuel their passions while keeping them active and social.
• Plan a Trip or Family Experience
  If it fits your budget, consider a weekend getaway, road trip, or even attending a concert or sporting event together. These moments create lasting memories and opportunities for connection.

3. Stay Involved

Check in often. Ask questions. Know their friends and their plans. Your presence and interest—even if they act like they don’t notice—makes a powerful difference.

4. Keep the Conversation Going

Use everyday moments—like car rides or family meals—to have open, honest conversations. Talking about the risks of drugs and alcohol shouldn’t be a one-time lecture, but an ongoing dialogue. Most importantly, create a space where your child feels safe coming to you with questions. Don’t shy away from the tough topics—give real, age-appropriate answers and let them know they won’t be judged. When kids feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to make healthy choices.

5. Lean on Your Community

Prevention is not something any one person does alone. Connect with other families, encourage your school or faith group to stay active, and support local youth programs whenever you can.

Let’s make this summer a season where prevention is present—not just in our words, but in our actions.

Wishing you a safe, joyful, and connected summer,

Peggy B. Sapp
President

 

Each year, the National Family Partnership proudly recognizes exceptional individuals and programs leading the fight against drug abuse through the Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Red Ribbon Award. This prestigious honor commemorates the life and legacy of Kiki Camarena —a DEA agent who gave his life in service to protecting communities from the harms of drug use.

This year, we are proud to present the 2024 Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Red Ribbon Award to an outstanding leader whose decades-long commitment to prevention continues to shape and inspire.

 James “Jim” Conklin – Middleton, New York
2024 Enrique “Kiki” Camarena Red Ribbon Award Recipient

For over three decades, Jim Conklin has been a pillar of prevention in Orange County and beyond. As Executive Director of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council, he’s grown Red Ribbon Week into a county-wide movement involving schools, law enforcement, and local officials. Jim’s unwavering belief that “one person can make a difference” has driven a lifetime of leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment. As he prepares to pass the torch, Jim’s legacy continues to influence the future of prevention across New York State and beyond.

 

Honoring Four Outstanding Nominees

In addition to celebrating Jim Conklin, the National Family Partnership is proud to honor four remarkable individuals whose dedication, innovation, and passion are making lasting impacts in prevention and education.

Kathy Ross – Pedro, Ohio
Community Advocate & Leader

From personal struggle to powerful leadership, Kathy Ross has transformed her journey with addiction into a mission of hope. After overcoming her own opioid addiction and incarceration, she dedicated her life to prevention, recovery, and education in her community. She co-founded a successful drug court, launched impactful initiatives like Prom Promise and For Jenny’s Sake, and now leads a team of over 90 behavioral health professionals. Her efforts have saved lives, empowered youth, and brought vital resources to a region devastated by the opioid crisis.

 

Lt. Michael Reese – Anniston, Alabama
Law Enforcement & Prevention Leader

Lt. Michael Reese co-founded Operation Save Teens, a statewide, multimedia prevention program that has reached more than 200,000 students, parents, and educators across Alabama. Built on a foundation of faith and community engagement, the program combines real-life stories with essential drug education and support. Lt. Reese’s work has helped countless teens seek help, report drug activity, and make safer decisions—proving that prevention and law enforcement can be powerful partners in change.

 

Lupe Salcido – Lovington, New Mexico
Bilingual Educator & Advocate

A passionate bilingual educator, Lupe Salcido has reimagined Red Ribbon Week at her school by integrating substance use awareness into every subject area. Her collaborative approach engages the entire staff and ensures students from all backgrounds receive meaningful, age-appropriate prevention messaging. Outside the classroom, Lupe supports grieving families in her church and community, modeling compassion and commitment in everything she does.

 

Akshar Paduru – Chantilly, Virginia
Youth Leader & Peer Educator

High school junior Akshar Paduru is a rising star in youth-led prevention. Without being asked or assigned, he initiated substance use presentations, partnered with school leadership, and joined the Unified Mental Health Team to elevate student voices. His advocacy around fentanyl awareness and peer support has sparked important conversations and empowered fellow students to take action. Akshar is proof that leadership knows no age.

Celebrating Their Impact

Each of these individuals exemplifies the passion, integrity, and courage that define the spirit of the Kiki Camarena Red Ribbon Award. Whether rooted in recovery, education, enforcement, or youth activism, their efforts have strengthened communities and saved lives.

Let us continue to support, celebrate, and learn from those making a difference—today and every day.