FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, an affiliate of Infirmary Health System, is helping to combat drug abuse one child at a time. The hospital recently unveiled the new DeBakey Drug Education Vehicle, a unique mobile classroom that uses the latest in interactive technology to teach kids about the dangers of drug use.

As students enter the vehicle, they are immersed in a high-tech, colorful environment that features a 12-person theater, touch-screen kiosks and actual human organs that show the stark difference between healthy body parts and those that have been damaged by substance abuse.

The vehicle travels to schools throughout five counties in Southwest Alabama with a program geared at fifth-graders.

“Our goal is to help kids make good decisions,” says John Aikens, program coordinator. The program receives funding from the DeBakey Foundation and the Infirmary Foundation.

The idea behind the ingenious traveling program was first developed by the late Earnest G. DeBakey M.D., who acquired the original vehicle, a school bus, and donated it to Mobile Infirmary. He then attained additional funding to refurbish the second vehicle, a five-wheel trailer.

His wife, Marsha, continues his legacy of drug education and was instrumental in ensuring that the third generation vehicle was at the forefront of technology.

With the exception of the vehicle itself, a 38-foot Winnebago, the new Drug Education Vehicle was created entirely in Alabama. The high-tech look and interior fixtures were designed by Peter Feher, Mobile-based industrial designer who is also responsible for the exhibition My BodyWorks at The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center.

The multimedia content, touch-screen programs, animations and graphics were created by Somerset Group in Huntsville and the interior was fabricated by Southern Custom Exhibits in Anniston.

Since its inception in the fall of 1994, more than 100,000 students have toured the vehicle.

According to research conducted by the Drug Education Council, the vehicle was the first of its kind in the country and has since been replicated in other communities because of its success.

The DeBakey Drug Education Vehicle will be visiting Infirmary Health System hospital campuses in the coming days. There are morning sessions at 9: 30 and 10 a.m., including a 30-minute interactive presentation on the dangers of substance abuse.

There is a limit of 12 people per session so reservations are required. To make reservations, call (251) 279-4008.

The vehicle is open for tours at each location from 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

The bus will be at the Thomas Hospital Wellness Center in Fairhope on Wednesday, Aug. 18; and at the North Baldwin Infirmary Wellness Center in Bay Minette on Thursday, Aug. 19.