The purpose of the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Program is to foster a safe and drug-free learning environment that supports academic achievement.  Schools and school systems across the state of Alabama are expected to support programs that prevent violence in and around schools; that prevent the illegal use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; that involve parents and communities; and that are coordinated with related federal, state, and community efforts and resources. 

In order to meet the expectations of the Alabama State Department of Education, the following prevention education weeks should be observed during this 2022-23 school year:

·Red Ribbon Week will be observed during the week of October 24-28, 2022.  Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign.

·Suicide Awareness and Prevention Week will be observed during the week of September 5-9, 2022.  

· Celebrate Kindness Week will be observed during the week of February 13-17, 2023.   Hailed as the largest bullying prevention initiative across the United States, this celebratory week is designed to remind us to be kind to one another and to give others hope whenever we can.  For even one small act of kindness can mean a great deal to someone.

·National Youth Violence Prevention Week will be observed during the week of April 24-28, 2023.