Brussels, Belgium, 9th Apr 2025 — In celebration of World Health Day, the Scientology Network aired an ambitious all-day television marathon to address one of the most ravaging public health crises of our time: drug abuse. The programming initiative, which ran throughout the day, was aimed at educating viewers about the threat of drugs and promoting prevention efforts through compelling documentaries, public service announcements (PSAs), and inspiring profiles of grassroots activists who are fighting and addiction in their communities.

The marathon “World Health Day Marathon to Shape a Drug-Free Future”, involved the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, the Scientologist-sponsored charity that has brought its evidence-based educational materials to almost 200 countries. As drug overdoses still take lives—especially young adults between the ages of 18–45 according to reports—the campaign emphasized the need for immediate action.(1)

A Crisis Demanding Attention 

Based on recent statistics cited during the marathon, almost half of all American teens have tried illegal drugs by the time they finish high school. This risky behavior is largely responsible for the increasing rate of overdose deaths, which continue to be one of the most common causes of death for young adults.

Contributing to the problem are chemical street drugs and prescription medications that are being highly promoted by pharmaceutical companies, both of which are extremely dangerous to naive users.

The Truth About Drugs campaign—the cornerstone of the Foundation’s activities—works to counteract drug use myths by providing clear, factual information. In partnership with schools, community groups, and government agencies, the foundation supplies educators, parents, and activists with the materials to stop drug abuse progression before it starts.

Highlights of the Programming Lineup

The marathon included some major elements:

Voices for Humanity : A TV show that featured people who acted to stem society’s ills, including drug addiction. From teachers introducing drug education programs into classrooms to volunteers passing out informational brochures on street corners, these portraits recognized ordinary citizens who were doing extraordinary things. This included the Vice President of Foundation for Drug Free Europe Julie Delvaux, who has her own episode about the work she is doing in Belgium and who also organizes specialized conferences at the UNODC.

Public Service Announcements (PSAs) : Brief but powerful messages emphasized specific drugs such as marijuana, opioids, and synthetic drugs. The PSAs addressed not just the physical cost of addiction but also its wider social cost, including damaged relationships and missed opportunities.

Documentary Feature: “The Truth About Drugs” : Showcasing an uncompromising look at the realities of drug abuse, the documentary explored the science of addiction, personal tales of reformed addicts, and revelations concerning extensive marketing campaigns that normalize harmful behavior. It served as a wake-up call for those viewers who had no idea how widespread the problem was.

A Legacy of Social Betterment Founded upon Visionary Leadership

Established by writer and philanthropist L. Ron Hubbard, the Church of Scientology has been dedicated to solving the issues of society through its international Social Betterment programs for decades. These initiatives, comprising anti-drug abuse, anti-crime, anti-illiteracy, and anti-human rights abuse campaigns, demonstrate Hubbard’s aspiration to empower individuals and make communities more resilient. The Church has garnered dozens of awards and acknowledgments globally for its community service throughout the years.

These programs, especially the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, have been hailed by governments, NGOs, and civic groups for their effectiveness and continue to save lives through education and activism. Having reached millions of lives through these programs, the Church is undeterred in its commitment to continuing Hubbard’s legacy of compassion and service.

Reaching International Audiences

Since it debuted on March 12, 2018, the Scientology Network has been a platform for presenting a wide range of views and highlighting humanitarian endeavors in keeping with the Church’s mission. Seen in more than 240 nations and territories on six continents, the network airs to millions of households on DIRECTV, streaming platforms, and mobile apps. Its cutting-edge storytelling has garnered over 125 industry awards, attesting to its dedication to programming excellence. For this World Health Day observance, the network utilized its worldwide audience to share the message of prevention and recovery. Airing live from the Scientology Media Productions’ cutting-edge studios in Los Angeles, the marathon began at 8 a.m. ET and ran throughout the day for optimal viewing accessibility across the globe.

While the marathon constituted a day of focused activism, its purpose extends far beyond April 7. By empowering communities with information and materials, the Foundation for a Drug-Free World is striving to create lasting change—a world where fewer lives are devastated by addiction and more can thrive independent of dependency on illicit drugs. 

Today, on this World Health Day, the Scientology Network demonstrated how life-altering that power is when applied to the greater good. To view the complete schedule or watch on-demand content from the marathon, go to Scientology.tv/schedule. World Health Day for this year is behind us, but the conversation sparked by the Scientology Network programming continues to reverberate. As communities around the world grapple with the devastating effects of drug abuse, campaigns like these remind us that hope lies in education, collaboration and unwavering determination to forge a healthier tomorrow for all.

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. S

References:

1. https://www.mass.gov/news/dph-report-massachusetts-opioid-related-overdose-deaths-decreased-10-percent-in-2023
2. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/ngos/cst.html 
3. https://www.drugfreeworld.org