Drug Free America Foundation was founded in 1995 by former U.S. Ambassador Mel Sembler and his wife, Betty. It was previously known as Straight, Incorporated, a controversial drug rehabilitation program accused of abusing its patients, and faced multiple lawsuits. DFAF does not currently run drug rehabilitation programs. The organization's programs and messages are guided by a voluntary advisory board of physicians, researchers, attorneys, businessmen, and other community leaders.
Notable activism
DFAF is a Non-Governmental Organization in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nation. It accomplishes its mission through various divisions which include: The Institute on Global Drug Policy – an alliance of physicians, scientists, attorneys and drug specialists advocating public policies that curtail the use of illicit and misuse of licit drugs and alcohol. The International Scientific and Medical Forum on Drug Abuse – a brain trust of select researchers involved in drug-related research and physicians concerned about drug abuse. This group helps provide no-tolerance perspectives related to current drug issues in the media. The International Task Force on Strategic Drug Policy – a network of professionals and community leaders who support and promote drug demand reduction principles, develop community coalitions and strive to advance communication and cooperation among non-governmental organizations who are working to stem illicit drugs and promote sound drug policy around the world. The Drug Prevention Network of the Americas – a coalition of non-governmental organizations from North, Central and South America dedicated to the promotion of effective demand reduction programs and policies in the Americas through the exchange of information and the development of alliances among NGOs working toward the same goals. National Drug-Free Workplace Alliance – a national network dedicated to the prevention of substance abuse in the workplace. NDWA has a two-fold mission—to directly assist small businesses in the state of Florida in establishing comprehensive drug-free workplace programs and to support a national coalition of drug-free workplace service providers. Notable accomplishments include, but are not limited to:
Launching national drug awareness campaign such as “It’s All About Children” and “True Compassion”
Participating in the United Nations General Assembly's Special Session in Vienna, Austria every year since 19- NEEDS DATE
Producing and airing powerful educational public service announcements that have received multiple Telly and Addy awards and ranked in the top ten Neilson Ratings
Launching the Institute on Global Drug Policy and the International Scientific and Medical Forum on Drug Abuse.
Organizing and hosting hundreds of regional, national, and international conferences
