Drug-Free World Volunteers Reach Families at Loudoun County Student Wellness Conference

LEESBURG, VA — February 25, 2026 — Volunteers from the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C. participated in the 8th Annual Loudoun County Public Schools Student Services Mental Health and Wellness Conference, United for Wellness, held February 21 at Heritage High School in Leesburg, approximately 30 miles from Washington, D.C..

The conference brought together families, educators, mental health professionals, medical providers, school staff, nonprofit organizations and community partners to share resources that support student health and well-being.

Representing the Truth About Drugs initiative of Foundation for a Drug-Free World, volunteers Sharon and Tom Bursich hosted an informational booth providing educational materials on drug prevention and awareness. This marked the second consecutive year the couple was invited to participate after building relationships with event organizers through prior outreach.

The Bursiches began their efforts in Loudoun County after becoming aware of the growing impact of drug use, including fentanyl-related incidents affecting youth in the area. Motivated by personal experience with substance abuse within their extended family and concern for their grandchildren attending local schools, they committed to bringing prevention education directly to families and school communities.

In addition to engaging families and educators, the volunteers connected with representatives from other organizations and agencies participating in the resource fair. A School Resource Officer expressed strong interest in the materials and indicated plans to include Drug-Free World resources in a future community event he is organizing in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies.

The annual United for Wellness Conference opened with welcome remarks followed by multiple simultaneous workshops and resource sessions focused on mental health awareness, prevention strategies and support services for students and families.

According to the volunteers, community-based education and collaboration are essential components in helping young people make informed, drug-free decisions. Continued invitations to participate reflect growing interest in prevention resources among Loudoun County families and school personnel.

For Sharon and Tom Bursich, the mission remains personal: ensuring that parents, educators and students have access to factual information and practical tools to prevent substance abuse before it starts.

About Foundation for a Drug-Free World
Foundation for a Drug-Free World is a nonprofit public benefit organization that provides free drug education materials and programs to schools, community groups, law enforcement agencies and individuals worldwide. The Truth About Drugs campaign delivers factual information to help youth and adults make informed decisions to live drug-free.

Media Contact:
Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, D.C.
externalaffairsdc@scientology.net
drugfreeworld.org