Scientology Network's International Overdose Awareness Marathon Highlights Drug Prevention Through Education

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientology Network joins the global observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31 with a special marathon broadcast dedicated to raising awareness and showcasing efforts to combat the worldwide drug crisis through education, prevention and community action.

While provisional CDC data indicate an ongoing decline in US overdose deaths, an estimated 69,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses in 2025. Internationally, 331 million people use drugs, underscoring the urgent and ongoing need for prevention through education.

Marking its 25th anniversary in 2026, International Overdose Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact of overdose while inspiring greater awareness and action. The marathon features the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, whose grassroots network of volunteers provides factual drug education that helps people make informed decisions and live drug-free.

Among the day's programming are episodes of Scientology Network's original series Voices for Humanity, spotlighting individuals who are taking action to prevent drug abuse in their communities around the world. Featured are Michael DeLeon, who rebuilt his life after addiction and prison and now helps young people avoid the mistakes that nearly destroyed his own, and Oreste Depaoli, a former addict who overcame a near-fatal overdose and dedicated his life to drug prevention. Today, his annual 1,500-mile Truth About Drugs motorcycle rally brings communities across Italy together in support of a drug-free future.

The day's programming includes:

• Voices for Humanity, the weekly television series featuring everyday heroes addressing drug use and other pressing social issues in their communities;
• PSAs to raise awareness of the dangers of drug use; and
• The Truth About Drugs documentary, a powerful look at the dangers and effects of drugs, from marijuana, opioids and synthetic street drugs to addictive pharmaceuticals.

The Overdose Awareness Day Marathon begins August 31 at 8:00 a.m. ET. See the full schedule at scientology.tv/schedule.

Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige, ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network's innovative content has been recognized with more than 175 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards. 

Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church's global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at scientology.tv, on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms.

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SOURCE Church of Scientology International