Light & Unite Red Week 2025

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 17-23. 

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.

Light & Unite Red 2025 Events

Monday, March 17:

• Make Milwaukee County Red

  Promote healthy, substance-free living and support our community members by wearing red on Monday, March 17. Our partners throughout Milwaukee County are lighting up their buildings red as well in honor of the first day of Light and Unite Red Week 2025. 

Tuesday, March 18:

• Courage in Connection 

  The Milwaukee Turners hosts a weekly Adult Substance Abuse Recovery Support Circle. Come learn coping skills, enjoy recreational activities, and receive support from others in recovery! 

  This event is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at Turner Hall at 1040 N. Vel R Phillips Ave.

Wednesday, March 19:

• SMART Recovery Meeting 

  This meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will be held at the Galano Club at 7210 W. Greenfield Ave.

• Youth Mental Health First Aid

  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 2 p.m. and will be held via Zoom.

  Register by March 12 at noon.

• Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga

  Franklin Health Department and Volition Franklin are hosting Glow-in-the-Dark Yoga on Wednesday, March 19. 

  Ignite your inner light! Celebrate wellness and positive energy during Light & Unite Red Week. Feel uplifted as you connect with a community of supportive people who are improving their lives by remaining free of drugs and alcohol. This event is free and open to everyone over the age 13. Please bring your own yoga mat. 

  The class will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Briscoe Family YMCA Wellness Center at 7095 S. Ballpark Drive in Franklin.

  Register Here

Friday, March 21:

• Sip Responsibly and Paint 

  Join Safe and Sound for a night of mocktails and paint brushes to help shine a light on addiction. Sip Responsibly and Paint is free, open to the public, and family friendly!

  This event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. and will be held at Safe and Sound at 4422 W. Leon Terrace

  Learn more

• Mental Health First Aid

  Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

  This training is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

  Register by March 17 at 12 noon

Saturday, March 22:

• Phoenix Yoga

  Come as you are for 2 hours of self-care, renewal, and community. The Phoenix has intricately woven together a magical mix of āsana, sacred connection, yoga nidra, and reiki. Stay after for processing, tea, and oracle card readings. 

  This class begins at 12 noon and will be held at the Milwaukee Alano Club at 1521 N. Prospect Ave.

  Reserve a Spot

Sunday, March 23:

• Phoenix Yoga

  Come as you are for 1 hour of self-care, renewal, and community. The Phoenix has intricately woven together a magical mix of āsana, sacred connection, yoga nidra, and reiki. Stay after for processing, tea, and oracle card readings. 

  This class begins at 2:30 p.m. and will be held at the Milwaukee Alano Club at 1521 N. Prospect Ave.

  Reserve a Spot

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 2025 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
• National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week
• Take Space to Pause
• Tobacco is Changing
• Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line
• Youth.gov - Substance Abuse Prevention