MILAN — 12 Feb. 2026 — Some 300 volunteers have been mobilised since January in multiple Italian cities in a prevention-through-information campaign, handing out prevention materials titled “Truth About Drugs”. The organisers state that the distribution has already surpassed 500,000 booklets, with Milan at the forefront and wider participation growing.
Support for the outreach is provided by the European Office of the Church of Scientology as part of its long-running backing for community-based drug education inspired by L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology. The materials aim to provide clear, accessible information about commonly abused substances and their risks.
Athlete engagement is also cited by organisers. They say 100+ athletes associated with Milano Cortina 2026 have added their names to the Foundation for a Drug-Free World Honorary Register, signalling support for youth-focused prevention messaging. According to organisers, sport provides a natural platform for prevention conversations because it is associated with discipline, wellbeing and long-term performance.
Ivan Arjona, eu newsroom Scientology’s representative to the EU, OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations, noted: “Across Europe, protecting young people is not only a health objective but a civic duty. Providing verified, understandable information strengthens autonomy and informed choice, and it helps communities limit the conditions in which exploitation can take root.”
More information: Scientology Europe report on Italy’s youth safeguarding outreach.