Musician Melanie Safka Signs on as Drug-Free Ambassador

The Tennessee Chapter of the Foundation for a Drug-Free World (FDFW) commemorated the annual International Day Against Drug Abuse with events to get this important information to the people of the South. During the events, internationally renowned musician Melanie Safka decided to take an active role helping youth by signing on as an official Drug-Free Ambassador.

Melanie Safka, best known for her musical hits “Brand New Key,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “What Have They Done to My Song Ma,” and her song about performing at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain),” is also the recipient of the 2015 Peaceful Revolution Award.  She said she is glad to be able to speak out on this important topic, “You don’t have to experience drugs to experience life. That’s what imagination is for.”

Each year on the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, members of FDFW go all out to spread the word. They travel to schools to deliver lectures on the Truth About Drugs and pass out booklets to help kids understand the hazards, and tips to avoid peer pressure.

The World Drug Report, released on June 26, reports that nearly 200,000 die of drug abuse each year. There are 246 million drug users aged 15-64 – and some 27 million people dependent on drugs.

Team members for FDFW have made great strides in Tennessee. They have educated more than 18,000 people, been to more than thirty counties and have distributed over 60,000 booklets to those in need. “Our job is not over,” says a volunteer for the program. “We still have far to go before the demand for drugs recedes. Our goal is an entirely drug-free state.”

For more information, visit drugfreesouth.org.