Drug Education Program

The DeBakey Drug Education Program vehicle travels to schools throughout five counties of southwest Alabama to educate children about the dangers of illegal drug use and substance abuse. In addition to visiting public, private, and parochial schools, the vehicle is available for community events and other special programs.

The idea for the program originated with the late Ernest G. DeBakey, MD, a prominent Mobile surgeon concerned about the effect of drug use on youth. Since it began in 1994, more than 100,000 students have participated in the program. Recognized by the American Hospital Association, the vehicle was the first of its kind in the country.

The 38-foot recreational vehicle, designed specifically for the drug education program, uses state-of-the-art technology, bold colors, and engaging graphics to grab students’ attention. The interactive exhibit was designed by Peter Feher, a Mobile-based industrial designer also responsible for the MyBodyWorks Health Gallery at The Gulf Coast Exploreum.

The multi-media program features a 12-person theater with three 42-inch flat-screen monitors for video presentations that run through the spectrum of drugs, abuse, and effects. It gives students the opportunity to see, hear, and touch displays. They view actual organs that show healthy and unhealthy samples of the heart, brain, and liver. Six touchscreen learning stations kiosks engage them with interactive games, consequences of their choices, and skills for saying "no."

To schedule the DeBakey Drug Education vehicle for your school or youth event, contact the program coordinator.

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