There Is Nothing New Under The Sun

First Lady Nancy Reagan, who passed away last week, tirelessly dedicated her time and energy, during her husband’s presidency in the 1980’s, to shine a light on the nation’s drug problem.

Her “Just Say No” message originated during an event in Atlanta where a child asked her what to do if someone offered her drugs. Reagan replied with the now famous response and the media picked it up. While we can all agree that it’s not easy to say “no” and the latest prevention science provides us with more comprehensive and effective ways to educate and inspire children to make healthy choices, the message was clear: our children have a right to grow up safe, healthy and drug free – and we have the responsibility to make that happen.   

At the time, some people heard the message, some people didn’t hear the message and others didn’t like the message. The same is true today. There is nothing new under the sun. Scientists continue to identify dangers of marijuana use, states who have legalized it are seeing a rapid increase in use among youth – and yet, the legalization trend is not slowing down. Prescription drug use and heroin use are epidemics we can no longer ignore.

Below is a formal statement from Informed Families and the National Family Partnership mourning the loss of our friend Nancy Reagan. We appreciate all of her support over the years. We also appreciate and thank each of you, our readers and supporters, for your dedication to helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free.

Peggy

INFORMED FAMILIES & THE NATIONAL FAMILY PARTNERSHIP® MOURN THE LOSS OF FORMER FIRST LADY NANCY REAGAN

Organizations Grateful for Reagan’s Leadership & Dedication to Drug Prevention 

The National Family Partnership (NFP), formerly the National Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth, and its affiliates across America, most notably Informed Families, are deeply saddened by the loss of our former honorary chair, Nancy Reagan. The former First Lady was an inspiration and a catalyst for preventing generations of children from experiencing the devastating consequences of addiction. 

Reagan served as Honorary Chair from 1980 to 1988, during her husband, Ronald

Reagan’s presidency. Through her presence and promotion of many educational campaigns, such as The Chemical People, Just Say No and the Red Ribbon Campaign, Nancy Reagan served as the face of The Parent Movement, a movement in which tens of thousands of concerned parents across the US worked together to successfully reduce casual drug use by 50% between 1978 and 1991, according to the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. 

Many of NFP’s founders recall Reagan’s passion and commitment for promoting drug prevention for children. With her help, the organization’s voice was loud and clear against forces that promoted drug use as being normal and recreational.

Informed Families, led by NFP President Peggy Sapp, and long-time supporters and founding NFP presidents Pat and Bill Barton of Naples, FL expressed their deepest sympathies to the family of Nancy Reagan as well. The Bartons worked closely with Reagan during her tenure as honorary chair.

“Nancy Reagan was a wonderful woman and we will never forget her willingness to stick her neck out for our children; far too few people are willing to do that today for this important cause,” said NFP President Peggy Sapp. “She continues to serve as an inspiration as we face the latest drug epidemics: prescription drug abuse and heroin.”

The National Family Partnership will be making a donation to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in honor of Reagan’s dedication to helping kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free.