Drug-Free South Announces Event for International Day Against Drug Abuse

The Truth About Drugs program provides teachers, law enforcement and community groups with effective drug education materials.

Drug-Free South (DFS) is the Tennessee Chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, and is planning an Open House and event to honor International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26. The group will be bringing in guest speaker Melanie Safka, best known for her musical hits “Brand New Key,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “What Have They Done to My Song Ma,” and her song about performing at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain).” Melanie is glad to be able to speak out on this important topic, “You don’t have to experience drugs to experience life. That’s what imagination is for,” she says.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World provides the Truth About Drugs booklets, the “They Said, They Lied” public service announcements, and the 100-minute documentary, The Truth About Drugs: Real People, Real Stories which all work together to provide students the facts on drugs. DFS helps kids understand the truth about drugs, so they don’t get caught off-guard when a dealer is trying to talk them into doing something they will always regret.

Melanie continued: “I see people who are my grand daughter’s age who feel they have to apologize for not doing drugs. They’re being pressured into it.” It is for this reason that she is speaking out.

June 26 is known as the United Nation’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The day was created by the UN General Assembly in December 1987 to encourage all sectors of society to work together to tackle drug abuse and addiction.

Drug-Free South is celebrating the day by showcasing its materials for educators and hosting a forum to discuss community problems and ways to address them.  “We’re excited to reach out further to help all children in Tennessee,” says Rev. Brian Fesler who pastors the Church of Scientology and helps coordinate the local Drug-Free program. For more information on the Truth About Drugs program or upcoming events, visit drugfreesouth.org.