On June 26th, 2025, the Church of Scientology of Sacramento hosted a community gathering to observe International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The event brought together local leaders and organizations dedicated to combating the devastating effects of drug abuse. Featuring both the Foundation for a Drug-Free World and the National Guard Drug Demand Reduction unit, they focused on educating attendees about the dangers of substance abuse, particularly the rise of fentanyl overdoses, and the importance of preventative measures.

The event was kicked off by the Public Affairs Director for the Church Mike Klagenberg who welcomed attendees and acknowledged the significant contributions of community partners, including the National Guard. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of raising awareness and taking action against the growing drug epidemic.  He then introduced the Emcee for the event, Patricia Schreiter, a dedicated staff member from the Church with a background in the U.S. Army, helping bridge the connection between the military and the audience.

Schreiter, who has been an instrumental part of the Church, delivered a brief yet compelling overview on the significance of educating the public and especially kids about drug abuse prevention. She then introduced Nathan Johnson, the Drug Free World Director for their Sacramento Chapter, who captivated the audience with a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the alarming rise of fentanyl-related deaths in the local area. Johnson’s personal stories and data underscored the critical need for increased awareness and action to prevent more young lives from being lost to this lethal substance.

The event’s highlight was a comprehensive 45-minute presentation by the National Guard, focusing on the physiological effects of drugs on the brain. The speakers provided an in-depth look into how fentanyl affects the brain and why Naloxone (Narcan) spray is so effective in reversing an overdose. Their interactive session included pre- and post-event surveys, which provided valuable insights into the audience’s understanding of the material and reinforced the educational value of the event.

At the close of the event, Patricia thanked attendees for their participation and invited everyone to visit the lobby, where refreshments were provided and Drug Free World materials were available for further learning.

The collaboration between the Church and the National Guard was met with praise, as evidenced by a heartfelt email sent by the National Guard presenters:

“We both felt it was a great success, and we were very pleased with the positive reception from the audience. We truly enjoyed collaborating with you and your organization. It was a productive exchange and a positive experience for everyone involved. We look forward to partnering with you in the future.”

 This event exemplified the power of community collaboration in tackling the drug abuse crisis and marked an important step in educating the public about the dangers of illicit drug use and the importance of prevention.

For more information about future events and educational resources visit our website at www.scientology.net