Red Ribbon Week 2026 in Kalkaska County: Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug Free.

Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition celebrated Red Ribbon Week by bringing prevention education and healthy choices to over 1,800 students at every public school in Kalkaska County, along with some homeschool students! From elementary to high school, we talked with students about how prevention starts with everyday choices, such as brushing their teeth, wearing seat belts, and using helmets. We also explored what it means to be healthy, what makes someone a hero, and how we can all be heroes by making positive choices, supporting others, and asking for help when needed.

This year's activities also included planting red tulips with students at Rapid City Elementary, Forest Area Upper Elementary, the Kalkaska Alternative Program (KAP) and Crawford Excelsior as a reminder that healthy choices help us grow. We are grateful to our schools, educators, students, and community partners for helping make this countywide effort a success! Although Red Ribbon Week is celebrated once a year, prevention happens every day. Together, we can help every child, family, and community member have the opportunity to Live Well.