What is Light and Unite Red Week?
Each year, partners across Milwaukee County join forces for Light and Unite Red Week to promote community-wide substance use prevention education and is in alignment with National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, from March 15-21.
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is an annual observance to inspire dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth. It allows for students, educators, healthcare providers, and community partners to help address youth drug and alcohol use in communities nationwide.
This year's theme is MythBusters
Don't believe everything you hear at school or online. Curiosity around substance use is normal, but make sure you're getting your information from reliable sources. RISE Drug Free MKE is here for you with information and resources on alcohol, marijuana, commercial tobacco, nicotine, prescription medication, and other drugs.
Throughout the week, RISE Drug Free MKE, community organizations, and other allies will be debunking common myths about alcohol and other drug use through social media and in-person events.
Landmarks lighting up red during the week include:
- 1522 on the Lake
- 600 East Café
- Hoan Bridge
- Hyatt Regency
- Lakefront Brewery
- MGIC
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Milwaukee County Historical Society
- Mitchell Park Domes
- Pabst Theater
- US Bank Center
- Wisconsin Center District
Light & Unite Red 2026 Events
Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga
Wednesday, March 18 | 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Get your glow on! Ignite your inner light as the City of Franklin Health Department, Volition Franklin, and YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee celebrate holistic wellness and positive energy during Light and Unite Red Week.
Feel uplifted as you connect with a supportive community of people who are improving their lives by remaining free of alcohol and other drugs. After the fun and invigorating yoga class, participants are welcome to socialize, enjoy refreshments, and enter to win raffle prizes provided by Volition Franklin.
Please bring your own yoga mat. Everyone is encouraged to wear white or neon clothing for a more vibrant experience. Glow sticks will be provided.
Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga is scheduled from 6-7:30 p.m. on March 18 at the Briscoe Family YMCA Wellness Center, 7095 S. Ballpark Dr., Suite 120 in Franklin.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Thursday, March 19 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who might be experiencing a mental health challenge or is in crisis.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
This training is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 19 and will be held at Community Advocates, 728 N. James Lovell St., Milwaukee.
Light the Hoan is Shining Red for Light and Unite Red Week
Friday, March 20 | Sunset
On Friday, March 20 the Hoan Bridge will shine red at sunset for Light and Unite Red Week.
The RISE Drug Free MKE coalition is asking Milwaukee County residents to wear red on Friday, March 20, as a sign of support for healthy, fact-based, decision making around substance use.
Light and Unite Red Week Shareables
Print, Fold, and Share with a Friend
Our MythBusters series of zines aims to debunk common misconceptions about alcohol and other drugs with facts and statistics that come from substance prevention professionals.
Attend events this week to pick up your MythBusting zines or download a printable and foldable version right here.
Alcohol | Marijuana | Commercial Tobacco + Nicotine | Prescription Medication
Light & Unite Red 2026 Resources
- Behind the Haze: Get the Facts About Vaping
- Better Ways to Cope
- Campus Drug Prevention
- Community Advocates Mental Health and Wellness Resources
- Light & Unite Red on Facebook
- Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division
- National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week
- Take Space to Pause
- Tobacco is Changing
- Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line
- Youth.gov - Substance Abuse Prevention
Mitos Versus Hechos: Consumo de alcohol por menored de edad
