Ketchikan will be celebrating the drug-free lifestyle this week.

It's Red Ribbon Week, when drug and substance abuse awareness is the focus locally, statewide and nationally.

In communities across the nation, activities are scheduled for young and old alike. The main theme will be prevention and empowering people with the necessary tools to make healthy life choices, free of drugs and other addictive substances.

The Red Ribbon is a pledge to help in preventing drug and substance abuse. People are encouraged to wear the ribbon, particularly on Friday, Oct. 26.

Other activities include decorating schools and businesses with red ribbons, balloons, streamers and posters to celebrate, and to "Tie One On" by tying a red ribbon onto personal motor vehicles.

It's also a week when people are asked to share their drug and substance abuse prevention ideas with others, especially youth, and to stress the non-addicted way of living.

Tongass Substance Screening, 120 Carlanna Lake Road, has red ribbons available to the public, both for wearing and adorning vehicles.

Drug and substance addiction touches everyone; few families can say they've escaped these addictions unscathed.

As a community of families — from families of one or two to the largest ones — this is the week to come together to support and encourage one another to live well, to live free of drug and substance abuse.

Choose a healthy life.