Youth Safeguarding in Italy: 300 Volunteers Distribute 500,000 Drug-Prevention Booklets

MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — A volunteer network of around 300 people has been active since January nationwide in a prevention-through-information campaign, handing out educational materials titled “The Truth About Drugs”. According to organisers that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, starting in Milan and expanding to additional cities.

The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign as part of its long-running backing for Cortin community-based drug education inspired by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The campaign focuses on facts about substances and the physical and mental-health consequences associated with use.

Athlete engagement is also cited by organisers. They say more than 100 athletes connected to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics have signed the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport helps reinforce healthy choices because it is associated with health, focus and long-term wellbeing.

Ivan Arjona, Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Protecting young people is a public-health priority and a civic responsibility across Europe. Verified, accessible information strengthens informed decision-making, and it helps communities push back against exploitation linked to drug markets.”

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