June 26, 2010

NEW YORK – Friday night, the New York branch of the Foundation for a Drug Free World, a group sponsored by the Church of Scientology, brought together a wide ranging group of heroes in an important fight. They joined chapters of the group worldwide in marking the United Nations International Day Against Illicit Drugs and Trafficking, giving awards to key New Yorkers who have taken the lead in the fight against illicit drug use.

Meghan Fialkoff, head of the New York Chapter of the Foundation, spoke about their providing of The Truth About Drugs education materials available in 20 languages. Based on authoritative surveys and studies, The Truth About Drugs series includes abundant first hand testimonials in a youth-friendly format: 13 pocket-sized booklets and short videos covering the most commonly abused drugs, a new documentary based on interviews with over 200 former addicts, which can be seen and ordered free, at http://www.drugfreeworld.org.

"But even with the most effective materials," said Ms. Fialkoff at the gathering in Manhattan, "it takes live communication – with heart, courage, and energy – to really turn the tide of drug use. Tonight we want to honor some of those who – using our materials, or just sharing our goals and our commitment – are working effectively for a drug-free world."

Receiving awards for their work this year were: Police Officer Iris Mercado, from the Midtown North Precinct; Ms. Sherry Thomas, Veritas, Inc; Mr. Abukarriem Shabazz, of Phase Piggy Back, Inc; Mr. Michael Zotto, retired NYPD Detective and head of The Strategic Protection Group; Loretta Parsons-Poole, representing OASIS, for their "Your Story Matters" program; Sandra Marguez, of Volunteers of America; and on behalf of New York State Senator Ruben Diaz Senior (kept in Albany by the budget process) Mr. Tommy Soto.

"We look forward to continue working with you in any way we can and we offer our resources including our videos, the booklets, and the other educational materials," said Fialkoff in concluding, "to help accomplish the goals we share."

The United Nations International Day Against Illicit Drugs and Trafficking was established in 1987 by UN resolution 42/112 to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving an international society free of drug abuse.

Besides their sponsorship of the Foundation, the Scientologists are steadfast opponents of drug abuse, as part of their work in the community. "From Los Angeles to Stockholm, from Copenhagen to Taiwan," said Fialkoff, Scientologists were observing the UN Day Against Drugs through effective action.

Church of Scientology New York