| ARGENTINA | 11 OCTOBER 2016 |

Necochea, Schooled in the Truth About Drugs

One of Argentina’s hottest tourist destinations now boasts a new attraction.

The Necochea students, receiving The Truth About Drugs booklets at a summer event, are so supportive of the program they began passing it out themselves.

Between increased drug trafficking and the widespread use of “paco,” a highly toxic form of cocaine, Argentina is in dire need of effective drug prevention.

The new Truth About Drugs “Action Group” formed to fill that need in the beach city and tourist destination of Necochea.

The group began by consulting Necochea Director of Tourism. Upon learning about the Truth About Drugs, he explained that this was exactly what his city needed. He recommended the Action Group reach out to the Minister of Social Development, with whom he shared the materials after the meeting. By the time the team had contacted the minister several days later, she had already begun implementing the program herself in social work classes. With the full blessing of the municipal government, the Action Group began regular booklet distribution on pedestrian beaches, followed by a mass distribution at the “Feast of Communities,” a festival where Argentinians from across the country gather to sightsee and celebrate in Necochea.

The Action Group got more than 1,000 booklets into public hands. Many passersby stopped to read the booklet immediately, with several joining the team to distribute themselves.

The fledgling group looks forward to graduating to school seminars, police partnerships and every avenue possible to reduce drug consumption and create a safer Argentina.



WE really WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Here is what professionals—from law enforcement to teachers, and nonprofit to civic leaders—championing a drug-free life have to say about The Truth About Drugs campaign.

POLICE SERGEANT, NEW ZEALAND

The information, materials and package that you have produced are invaluable tools in the fight against illicit drugs and the education of those who choose to ignore “the truth.”

COALITION AGAINST DRUGS COUNTY COORDINATOR, ARKANSAS

After reviewing your website and materials I decided you are the one-stop shop we needed to help the efforts in our county as we work to fight the many heroin deaths we have had the last couple of years. Your materials are top notch and to the point. The videos pull no punches, which is what we are looking for.

TEACHER, TEXAS

Several years ago I began using the Drug-Free World materials and continue to do so each year. The kids love it. I have a class set of boxed booklets we use and kids always ask if they can have a set for their own. My kids love and need this information. They are stone silent during the videos so they don’t miss anything. I have always said that if I can get just one child to stop and think before they make a decision to use drugs, then I have done my job.

PROGRAM MANAGER, COUNTRY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT, INDIANA

Thank you very much for the booklets. They have been a great tool in our drug prevention classes we conducted with students and parents for our local public alternative schools. The sessions were interactive and the videos empowered the students to look at the real consequences of using drugs.



WE NEED YOUR HELP

Support the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and help protect young lives from the destructive effects of drugs. Your contributions enable us to make our educational materials available free of charge to schools, youth organizations and other groups and individuals. Your support helps empower people with the facts they need to live healthy, drug-free lives.