Seton Hall Students Support Prevention Links's Union County Red Ribbon Day

On October 11, 2025, Union County held its 27th annual Red Ribbon Day, organized by Prevention Links, a private nonprofit organization and leading advocate for substance abuse prevention and recovery. The event includes a mile-long awareness walk around Nomahegan Park, an award ceremony honoring local changemakers within the Union community and a free Family Fun Festival, including music, games, food trucks, pumpkin painting, face painting, and much more all in the spirit of community and connection.

Seton Hall’s College of Arts and Sciences was one of this year’s generous sponsors, taking a stand against substance abuse. In addition, students from across Seton Hall and the campus’s Student Social Work Association (SSWA) also participated, lending their time as helpers and volunteers in the Family Fun Fair. The SSWA has been an avid and consistent supporter of Red Ribbon Day’s mission against substance abuse, promoting mental health wellness on campus and beyond. The students enjoyed the evening, tabling with local resources and engaging families through carnival games. Together, these students demonstrated the power of compassion, collaboration and a community united in support of prevention, recovery and hope.

Each year, community members, local businesses and other stakeholders from the Union County area gather to raise awareness and funds to support substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery. The community raised over 50,000 dollars toward Prevention Links’s ongoing mission of drug abuse prevention through free community programs and services for those in need.

Red Ribbon Day is a celebration of survival and recovery that has grown into one of the most powerful and unifying traditions in the Union County region. Red Ribbon is celebrated locally and nationally to increase awareness and support for substance abuse prevention, treatment and recovery. Since its beginning in 1985, the Red Ribbon Campaign has touched the lives of millions of people globally. Born from the tragic murder of DEA agent Enrique Camarena, the occasion encourages communities to engage in drug prevention activities and foster a commitment to living drug-free through coalitions and events like National Red Ribbon Week, partnering with local and national organizations to expand its impact.

Mary Landriau, senior faculty associate in the social work department, facilitated students’ participation at this event. Students who are interested in similar volunteering and advocacy opportunities are encouraged to engage with the SSWA on campus or online. 

Categories: Arts and Culture, Faith and Service, Health and Medicine