Nancy Reagan and the Fight Against Drug Abuse
Although I’ve been deeply concerned about this problem since my days in Sacramento, over the past nearly 8 years, I’ve focused mainly on education, on prevention, and on the need to change attitudes.
NANCY REAGAN
Remarks at the White House Conference for a Drug Free America Washington, D.C. 02/29/1988
The White House
People finally are facing up to drug abuse. They're banding together, and they're making real progress. And I just want to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all those people out there who are working so hard to get drug abuse under control.
NANCY REAGAN
Radio Address to the Nation on Federal Drug Policy 10/02/1982
As First Lady, Nancy Reagan focused on fighting drug and alcohol abuse among youth. She expanded the drug awareness campaign to the international level when she invited First Ladies from around the world to the First Lady Conference on Drug Abuse April 24-25, 1985.
Click the galleries below to explore audio recordings, photographs, textual records, and video footage.
"Just Say No"
Thank you for being part of the first international ‘Just Say No’ walk. Look around at how many young people are walking with you today. And just think, there are groups as big as yours, or even bigger, doing the same thing all over the world! Can you imagine just how many children are saying ‘Just Say No’ today? Children everywhere are learning about drug abuse at an early age. And that’s a good thing.
NANCY REAGAN
Remarks at the Just Say No International Walk 05/22/1986
First Lady Nancy Reagan urged the nation’s youth to “just say no.” She appeared on television talk shows, attended rallies and sporting events, taped public service announcements, and wrote guest articles.
Click the galleries below to explore audio recordings, photographs, textual records, and video footage.
Signings
This legislation allows us to do even more. Nevertheless, today marks a major victory in our crusade against drugs – a victory for safer neighborhoods, a victory for the protection of the American family.
President Ronald Reagan
Remarks on Signing the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 10/27/1986
During his administration, President Ronald Reagan signed executive orders, legislation, and proclamations in the fight against drug abuse.
Click the galleries below to explore audio recordings, photographs, textual records, and video footage.
The United Nations
In your deliberations, I urge you not to be diplomatic for the sake of diplomacy, but to speak the truth about the effects of drugs on our peoples and our governments. I urge you to be tough and firm in the recommendations you make.
Nancy Reagan
Remarks to the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly 10/25/1988
On October 21, 1985, during the United Nation’s 40th anniversary, Nancy Reagan hosted a second international drug conference.
On October 25, 1988, she addressed the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly where she spoke about the illegal use of drugs and its impact on families.
Click the galleries below to explore photographs and textual records.
Gifts Housed in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Artifact Collection
As the highest representative of the people and government, the President accepts gifts on behalf of the United States of America.
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library artifact collection contains over 89,000 three-dimensional objects and works of art related to the lives and careers of President Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan, from their early days to Hollywood to the White House and beyond. Other objects relate to the presidency or American history in general, and the 1980s specifically. Gifts given to President and Mrs. Reagan during the administration–by world leaders as well as private citizens–make up much of the collection.
Click the gallery to see a sampling of gifts related to Nancy Reagan’s campaign against drug abuse.
More to Explore
Drug Abuse Topic Guide
List of Archival Material
Compiled by National Archives Archivists at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Learn more"The First Lady"
Permanent Exhibit
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Learn moreTo View More Nancy Reagan Related Gifts
Digital Artifact Collection
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Learn moreWhite House Exit Interview with Dodie Kazanjian, June 13, 1983, Oral History – White House Exit Interviews (Includes discussion of developing press kits about Nancy Reagan’s drug abuse programs)
Archival Material (Audio), NAID: 74617957
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Learn moreWhite House Exit Interview with Abigail J. Healy, April 16, 1984, Oral History – White House Exit Interviews (Includes discussion of the purpose of the Office of Drug Abuse Policy)
Archival Material (Audio), NAID: 74617923
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
White House Exit Interview with Sheryl L. Eberly, May 10, 1984, Oral History – White House Exit Interviews (Includes discussion of personal role in reviewing and planning events for Nancy Reagan, mostly related to drug abuse projects)
Archival Material (Audio), NAID: 74617873
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
White House Exit Interview with Anne Wrobleski, March 18, 1985, Oral History – White House Exit Interviews (Includes discussion of duties of the Director of Projects for the First Lady, such as visits to drug abuse treatment, prevention, and education programs, and contacts with other White House Offices such as the Drug Abuse Policy Office)
Archival Material (Audio), NAID: 74618173
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Learn moreWhite House Exit Interview with Sue Daolas, June 12, 1986, Oral History – White House Exit Interviews (Includes discussion of personal duties within the Drug Abuse Policy Office)
Archival Material (Audio), NAID: 74617841
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Learn moreWhite House Exit Interview with Martin J. Coyne, Jr., June 17, 1987, Oral History – White House Exit Interviews (Includes discussion of preparing speeches about Nancy Reagan’s drug abuse prevention program)
Archival Material (Audio), NAID: 74617833
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Learn moreWhite House Exit Interview with Dick Millstein, March 29, 1988, Oral History – White House Exit Interviews (Includes discussion of personal duties in the Drug Abuse Policy Office and drug abuse issues)
Archival Material (Audio), NAID: 74618027
From The National Archives at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
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