|
News Release Target America Exhibit Hosts Special Programs in December at the NOV 26 -- Los Angeles —Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause, a traveling exhibit of the Drug Enforcement Administration at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, is hosting two family oriented programs in December highlighting the science of drugs and drug addiction. On Sunday, December 7, 2008, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the exhibit hosts a program entitled: Drug Dogs and The Science of Smell. Because a dog’s sense of smell is 50-100 times more powerful than our own, dogs play an important role in drug enforcement. Learn from experts about the science of smell, watch a drug dog demonstration, and try to match their capabilities in a lively scavenger hunt. On Sunday, December 14, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the exhibit hosts a program entitled: You’re On, Neuron: The Latest in Brain Research. Explore why drug addiction is such a powerful force. Learn about the chemical factors that bind abusers to their drugs of choice. Participate in an engaging discussion with USC brain research scientists about the science of addiction. The DEA’s exhibit examines the costs and consequences of illegal drugs, including the impact on individuals, American society and the world. The Los Angeles exhibit features a newly expanded display the “Southern California Story,” which closely examines issues related to illegal substances in the region including sales, abuse, prevention, treatment, and how law enforcement officials are dealing with the problem. In addition, the exhibit showcases current neuroscience research designed to understand and break the cycle of drug abuse and addiction. Most Americans are unaware of the documented damaging effects of illegal drugs on the mind and the body and the tremendous costs associated with the production, sale and use of illegal drugs. "This exhibit will open eyes to the vast and tragic consequences of illegal drugs—including, lost lives, family despair, damaging health effects, taxing our healthcare and social welfare systems, billions in economic losses, environmental harm, impaired worker performance, and funding terrorism," said DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. “Understanding the far-reaching and devastating impact of illegal drugs is key to preventing drug abuse.” Elliott Broidy, local philanthropist and a major sponsor of the Los Angeles exhibit noted, “Target America provides a unique opportunity for Southern California students and adults alike to increase their awareness of the dangers associated with narcotics trafficking and addiction. This DEA exhibit also demonstrates the tremendous partnership among federal, state, and local law enforcement whose shared goal is to rid our society of this pernicious evil.” Target America includes displays illustrating drug manufacturing in an authentic jungle cocaine lab and a recreated Afghan heroin factory. Visitors may view actual wreckage from a drug-related car accident and the environment of a tenement crack-house. Guests may examine common patterns of brain activity in addicts and learn how MRI machines are helping scientists uncover the secrets of addiction and recovery. An interactive display allows visitors to discover how addictions take control of the brain’s reward circuit, gradually alt ering motivation and desire. Another interactive display allows guests to hear true stories of addiction and recovery from addicts themselves. Major benefactors of the DEA exhibit at the California Science Center include: Robin and Elliott Broidy, Susan and Alan Casden, Haeshin and Dr. James Lee, Shirley and Walter Wang, Arthur Kassel, Helen and Roy Ryu, Colleen Maloof, Helen Mars and Phil Burruel, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) and the Motorola Foundation. Target America was developed in partnership with the AFFNA DEA Museum Foundation, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the National Guard, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Partnership for a Drug Free America. The exhibit runs through May 3, 2009. This is the exhibit’s seventh stop in a national tour, which debuted at the DEA Museum in Arlington, VA in 2002. The California Science Center is located at Exposition Park in downtown Los Angeles – open daily from 10 am to 5 pm except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission to Science Center exhibits is free. For additional information about the Science Center please call 213-744-7446 or visit www.californiascience.org. For additional information about the DEA Museum, please call 202-307-3463, or visit www.deamuseum.org.
# # # |