It is with deep sadness that we confirm to our subscribers the passing of Mrs Angela Wood in late June 2016. She finally lost her long battle with various cancers. Angela, with her remarkable husband Tony, lost their daughter Anna to the first highly publicized Ecstasy death over 20 years ago. One of the most appalling and predator-esque outcomes of this tragedy was the immediate approach of the family by Australians most prominent pro-drug activist Dr Alex Wodak, who (using St Vincent Hospital letterhead, no less) wrote to them and tried to recruit them into joining his liberalizing of drugs agenda. This shameless and grotesque gesture was treated by this grieving family for the disgusting tactic it was. Thankfully this grieving family went on the proactive ‘front foot’ and wrote of their loss in the widely read book, ANNA’S STORY.

Even the high profile and well-funded drug educator Paul Dillon (who should have known much better) attempted to refute their story that Ecstasy killed their daughter and went on the record as supporting ‘safe use’ of drugs. Of course, in time Dillon’s ‘take’ on Anna’s tragic death was found to be wrong, but the hurtful damage had been done. Sadly though, that’s what happens when pro-drug activists hijack genuine compassionate drug policy interpretations.

Angela travelled the nation and was even invited internationally to speak. Her message saved 1000’s of young lives, as has been testified by many of Anna’s peers, who upon hearing the story and reading the book, did not use these drugs!

On behalf of our members and supporters, the Dalgarno Institute team have conveyed out deepest sympathies to this remarkable family and we continue to work with Tony as he (when time permits) promotes the best practice benefits of demand reduction and prevention in NSW.