Red Ribbon Week Promotes Drug-Free Lifestyles for South Carolina’s Youth

Families are encouraged to talk early and often about making healthy, drug-free choices

Columbia, S.C. – As schools and communities across South Carolina celebrate Red Ribbon Week (October 23–31), the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities’ Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) is reminding parents, teachers and mentors that prevention begins with open, honest conversations.

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest drug prevention campaign, inspiring youth to live healthy, drug-free lives. OSUS is proud to reinforce that message with its Open Conversation SC campaign, a statewide effort that gives families and communities tools to talk about substance use in supportive, stigma-free ways.

“A drug-free lifestyle opens doors to better health, stronger relationships and future opportunities,” said Michelle Nienhius, Manager of Prevention & Intervention Services at OSUS. “When parents and teachers talk openly about the risks of substance use and the value of healthy choices, young people are far more likely to listen and make positive decisions.”

Through Open Conversation SC, OSUS encourages families to make communication part of everyday life. Prevention experts recommend:

• Start early: Children begin forming opinions about drugs and alcohol at a young age. Early, age-appropriate conversations build trust.
• Keep it open: Ask questions and listen without judgment. Honest dialogue helps youth feel safe coming to you when they face peer pressure.
• Highlight the positives: Emphasize how staying healthy supports success in sports, academics and friendships.
• Model the message: Youth learn from example; show them what a balanced, healthy lifestyle looks like.

Research shows that children who learn about the dangers of drugs and alcohol from their parents are significantly less likely to use them. Red Ribbon Week is a reminder that prevention isn’t about one week of activities – it’s about ongoing, supportive communication at home, in schools and in the community. Resources, conversation starters and prevention tips are available at www.openconversationsc.com.