Washington, D.C. — June 27th, 2025— In observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C., hosted a dynamic Drug-Free World Open House just six blocks from the White House. The event brought together community leaders, law enforcement officers, nonprofit founders, social workers, and concerned citizens to promote drug education and empower attendees with tools to combat substance abuse—particularly marijuana—through peer-to-peer conversation.

Chas Smith, External Affairs Director of the Founding Church of Scientology opened the event as Master of Ceremonies, grounding the audience in the local and global urgency of drug abuse with hard-hitting statistics, including the fact that 1 in 10 adults in D.C. are active illicit drug users, and more than 3,000 youth aged 12–17 reported drug use in the last month alone.

Following Smith’s introduction, Thalia Ghiglia, Drug Free World Faith Liaison of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office, presented an in-depth overview of the Truth About Drugs campaign, showcasing award-winning PSA clips and the "Final Word" chapter of the Truth About Drugs documentary. She highlighted the campaign's impact and engagement across D.C. communities, including past involvement in National Night Out and work with faith groups and police departments.

Will Jones III, of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), delivered a keynote on how the marketing and legalization strategies for marijuana mirror those historically used to promote tobacco. He debunked myths about marijuana safety and walked attendees through effective ways to speak with family and friends about its risks—especially regarding edibles and youth access.

Community Feedback Highlights:

• “I always learn something new… You guys need to keep doing this Open House every day, not just Fridays!” — Elba Gonzalez, CSOSA

• “Your materials help combat the barriers we see daily in probation and parole.” — Nicole-Wills Carrell, CSOSA

• “The educational videos are impactful and reinvigorating… You all are very welcoming and kind.” — Lakisha Copeland, CSOSA

• “Networking and information is the most important aspect of preventing drug abuse. It takes us all.” — Kelvin Manurs, Arm & Arm

• “Education needs to occur so there will be no deaths.” — Minister Miles Hollsman

The event concluded with an invitation for attendees to sign up for free educational kits and training programs to implement Truth About Drugs in their own organizations.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World, sponsored by the Church of Scientology, is the world’s largest nongovernmental drug education initiative. Its mission is based on the principle that when people are given the truth about drugs, they are less likely to use them.

For more information or to request free materials and training, visit www.drugfreeworld.org or contact Chas Smith directly.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chas Smith

Phone: 202-797-9826

Email: [email protected]

Founding Church of Scientology

1424 16th St. NW

Washington, DC 20036

If you would like any photos, please contact the External Affairs Director, Chas Smith.