Milan, 12 February 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January in multiple Italian cities in a prevention-through-information campaign, handing out prevention materials titled “The Truth About Drugs” booklets. According to organisers that more than 500,000 booklets have already been distributed, starting in Milan and expanding Italy to additional cities.
The European Office of the Church of Scientology is among those supporting the campaign in the context of its support for prevention and youth safeguarding work inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The booklets present straightforward information on substances, short- and long-term effects, and health risks.
Organisers also highlight athlete involvement. They say 100+ athletes associated with Milano Cortina 2026 have added their names to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, backing prevention messaging aimed at young people. In the organisers’ view, sport helps reinforce healthy choices because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
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. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities reduce the social space in which criminal networks operate.”
Full details: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.