On September 15, 2017, NASDAQ chose the Foundation for a Drug-Free World to ring the opening bell in celebration of National Recovery Month. As a prominent voice in global drug education and prevention, the Foundation’s work is particularly relevant in the face of the opioid epidemic. According to the Financial Times, from 1999 to 2015, over 183,000 Americans died from opioid overdose, and the number of annual fatalities quadrupled over the same period. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now estimates that 2.6 million people are addicted to drugs derived from the opium poppy.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World, Americas Chapter was represented by its founder and President, Dr. Bernard Fialkoff, and Executive Director Meghan Fialkoff. Also in attendance were the Foundation’s volunteers and supporters, including Miss New York 2015 Jamie Lynn Macchia, musician Rappn Tate Da Great, Rabbi Levy Abdurakhmanov, Miss Africa USA Cultural Ambassador 2015-2016 Noella Nsamwa, and drug education presenter Darla DeLeon of Steered Straight, a drug prevention organization that works in collaboration with Drug-Free World.

Several government officials also recognized the Americas chapter for its contributions to the Greater New York area, including U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, and New York City Public Advocate Leticia James.

The bell ringing ceremony received coverage on major news networks such as Bloomberg News, CNBC, Fox, and BNN. Additionally, for an hour on the same morning, the Drug-Free World’s drug prevention public service announcements played on the NASDAQ Times Square electronic billboard.

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World is dedicated to providing educational resources to young people and adults around the world to promote a drug-free lifestyle. Through its Truth About Drugs program, the Foundation reaches millions of people with the truth about drugs and their effects. The program includes educational materials such as videos, booklets, and interactive online resources that provide accurate information about drug abuse and addiction. By educating individuals about the dangers of drug use, the Foundation aims to empower them to make informed choices and avoid the devastating consequences of addiction.

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