Green Crescent President Prof. Mücahit Öztürk’s Message

Green Crescent President Prof. Mücahit Öztürk’s Message


Dear Friends of Green Crescent,

As Green Crescent, we have remained resolute in our efforts to prevent people from succumbing to alcohol, tobacco, substance, gambling and technology addictions for more than a century. The main goal in our long journey has been to help people stay healthy, and to provide them with hope for the future. The steps that we have taken in our own country have now carried us to every corner of the globe. We exist to ensure that our people do not fall, and to provide a helping hand to those who lost their way.
 
We have now come to a very important juncture, where our Green Crescent, which was founded by a group of intellectuals under very difficult conditions, celebrates its 103rd anniversary this year. I commemorate those who started along this path with us, those who have walked the path with us, and everyone who supports us, with respect and gratitude.
 
We welcome the responsibility that this trust bestows on us, and, as Green Crescent, we continue with our prevention and awareness-raising efforts with the same excitement of the first day with the support of our thousands of volunteers, professional volunteers and branches.
 
We established our Green Crescent Counseling Centers (YEDAM) in 2015 to aid those lost in the dangerous world of addiction. Today, we provide free psychosocial support to those with substance use disorders and their relatives through the 107 YEDAMs that have been opened in every corner of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). Our clients can enter through the door we have opened with confidence with the option to leave addiction behind as a bad memory, and turn over a clean page for the future. The happiness of witnessing this and embroidering this work like needlepoint keeps us alive.
 
As addiction is a universal problem that transcends all boundaries, we pioneer the tackle not only in our country, but also on the five continents of the world through the 95 Country Green Crescents. We have no interests; working together with people of different languages, religions and ethnicities and devoted a single cause renews our belief in our tackle.
 
Through the communication campaigns and events, and cultural and artistic activities we carry out, as well as the training programs we prepare for different age groups, our primary goal is to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy life for everyone, but especially children. Our endeavors are based on peace, love, compassion and responsibility, and we are happy to be joined by everyone, aged 7 to 70, on this path we are walking with the aim of building a healthy and strong tomorrow. It is highly satisfying for us to touch the hearts of so many people and to leave a beautiful mark on their precious lives.
 
As the vast Green Crescent family, we celebrate our 103rd anniversary with the slogan, "Life is better with Green Crescent!" We know that as long as a Green Crescent exists, there is hope for a “better and healthy future, free of addictions”. We come together as one heart for a “better and healthy future, free of addictions” in the national and international arena!
Wishing you well on our 103rd birthday and on Green Crescent Week.
 
Kind Regards,
Prof. Mücahit Öztürk