On September 24-26, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will host "Bridging Science and Culture to Improve Drug Abuse Research in Minority Communities" at the Wyndham Franklin Plaza Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. The conference will bring together researchers, students, academicians, health care providers, and community leaders interested in improving drug abuse research and expanding opportunities for minorities in this field.

"Despite notable progress in the overall health of the Nation, there are continuing disparities experienced by a variety of ethnic and racial minorities, including blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders, as compared to the U.S. population as a whole," says NIDA Director Dr. Alan I. Leshner. "This conference provides a unique forum for minorities and non-minorities at every level to collaborate in developing culturally meaningful approaches for understanding and addressing disparities in drug abuse research, prevention, and treatment."

The conference will feature plenary sessions on research findings in prevention, treatment and epidemiology, and the interaction of culture, race, ethnicity, and science on drug abuse research in minority communities. In addition, sessions will also address spirituality, challenges found by minority researchers, and pharmacological and behavioral treatment with minority clients.

To register and for more information about the conference visit NIDA's Web site, http://www.drugabuse.gov or by calling (301) 468-6008, extension 405.

NOTE TO REPORTERS: An agenda for the conference and more information is available on NIDA's Web site at www.drugabuse.gov. To arrange interviews, call the NIDA Press Office at 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.