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Associated Press
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Scientology Network Antidrug Marathon Spotlights Global Heroes Combatting Drug Abuse
LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 26, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of the United Nations' International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Scientology Network will air special programming on Thursday, June 26, spotlighting the worldwide impact of the Truth About Drugs education initiative by Foundation for a Drug-Free World. An estimated 80,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2024, a sharp 27 percent drop from the previous year. While the decline is encouraging, the DEA warns that synthetic opioids and stimulants such as fentanyl and meth still pose an unprecedented level of danger nationwide. The day features original episodes of Voices for Humanity, the only ongoing television series dedicated to grass-roots advocates tackling drug abuse, crime and other social issues. These inspiring stories spotlight volunteers who use the Truth About Drugs materials to educate students, law enforcement and government leaders—creating lasting impact from local communities to national policies. Among those featured is Jorjão Oliveira, a Brazilian rap artist whose promising career was derailed by addiction and prison. Today, he leads a rap group that uses music to spread an antidrug message, reaching youth across Brazil before drugs can. With more than 90,000 partnerships in over 190 nations, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World has built a volunteer-driven network that has reached over one billion people across six continents with its drug education materials. The day's programming, airing from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET, includes: See the full schedule at Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. MEDIA CONTACT: Media Relations [email protected] MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: Image caption: On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Scientology Network highlights the global fight against drug abuse with its Anti-drug Marathon. NEWS SOURCE: Church of Scientology International Keywords: Religion and Churches, International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Scientology Network, Foundation for a Drug-Free World, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Church of Scientology International) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P127243 APNF0325A To view the original version, visit: © 2025 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. RIGHTS GRANTED FOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY LEGITIMATE MEDIA OUTLET - SUCH AS NEWSPAPER, BROADCAST OR TRADE PERIODICAL. MAY NOT BE USED ON ANY NON-MEDIA WEBSITE PROMOTING PR OR MARKETING SERVICES OR CONTENT DEVELOPMENT. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
Associated Press
03-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Drug-Free World's Truth About Fentanyl Booklet: A Literal Lifesaver
- An average of 22 adolescents ages 14 to 18 died in the U.S. each week in 2022 from drug overdoses driven by counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. And the crisis is still with us - LOS ANGELES, Calif., April 3, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — On March 11, Southern California police seized 50 pounds of illicit fentanyl, enough for 14 million lethal doses of the drug to be added to street drugs and counterfeit pharmaceuticals destined for dealers or to be sold online to unsuspecting victims. 'If that much was seized,' says Drug-Free World Executive Director Jessica Hochman, 'how much more is in circulation? With so much at stake, it has never been more urgent to provide simple, fact-based education on fentanyl. That is why we are releasing 'The Truth About Fentanyl' booklet and making it available free of charge so anyone can use this information immediately to save lives.' 'Parents and educators have been urging us to publish a booklet on fentanyl,' says Hochman, who wants to ensure they are aware of this resource. 'In our surveys of schoolchildren, we have found kids listen most to their parents and teachers when it comes to drugs,' she says. 'In fact, they are 55 percent less likely to experiment with drugs when their parents or teachers speak to them on this urgent subject.' As with the other booklets in this series, this one is easy to understand and will help anyone learn about the drug and why it is so lethal. Parents are often reluctant to broach the subject of drugs with their kids because they feel they do not know enough to take up this vital subject with their children. Using the booklet, they can feel confident about approaching their kids and helping them make the right decision. 'The Truth About Fentanyl' is the latest addition to the Foundation's acclaimed Truth About Drugs campaign, which consists of booklets on the most frequently abused drugs along with public service announcements and a documentary featuring former addicts who survived to tell their stories. There are also online courses on each of the most commonly abused drugs. Materials are available in 20 languages. Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit, international drug education program proudly sponsored by the Church of Scientology and Scientologists all over the world. It was formed in 2006 to serve as a primary distributor of educational materials and to develop new materials to meet the challenge of continually changing drug trends. The Foundation has grown to a network of some 200 chapters around the world. Thanks to the support of the Church of Scientology and Scientologists, the Foundation provides the Truth About Drugs secular program and materials free of charge to anyone wishing to take action to address this urgent issue. Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. To learn more about the work of dedicated volunteers using this campaign to tackle drug abuse around the world, watch Voices for Humanity on the Drug-Free World website or on the Scientology Network. PHOTO CAPTION: 'The Truth About Fentanyl' booklet, the latest addition to the Truth About Drugs program of Foundation for a Drug-Free World. NEWS SOURCE: Foundation for a Drug-Free World Keywords: Religion and Churches, Truth About Fentanyl, Foundation for a Drug-Free World, Scientology Network, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Foundation for a Drug-Free World) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire. Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P125281 APNF0325A
