WHAT: The national launch of Keep Your Brain Healthy. Don't Use Drugs., a new public service campaign by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

WHO: Dr. Alan I. Leshner, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse
Dr. Drew Pinsky, MTV's Loveline and Dr. Drew.com
Major General Arthur T. Dean (ret.), CEO of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)
Sue Rusche, Executive Director, National Families in Action

WHEN: Monday, September 11, 2000
12:30 p.m.Media availability and preview of campaign materials
1:30 p.m. Remarks

WHERE: The National Press Club, Holeman Lounge
529 14th St. NW
13th Floor
Washington, DC 20045

WHY: The latest scientific research from NIDA shows that using drugs changes your brain and that, once addicted, you often can't just choose to stop using drugs. Therefore, it's important to get this message, Keep Your Brain Healthy. Don't Use Drugs., to families and children nationwide. As a first step, NIDA has produced a series of English and Spanish radio and television public service announcements (PSAs) designed to help America's youth understand the serious health risks associated with drug abuse.

The campaign launch will be broadcast live over the Internet at http://www.videonewswire.com/NIDA/091100.

For more information: call Michelle Muth or Beverly Jackson in the NIDA Press Office, 301-443-6245.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports more than 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to ensure the rapid dissemination of research information and its implementation in policy and practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and other topics can be ordered free of charge in English and Spanish through NIDA Infofax at 1-888-NIH-NIDA (644-6432) or 1-888-TTY-NIDA (889-6432) for the deaf. These fact sheets and further information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the NIDA home page at http://www.drugabuse.gov.