Downtown Medical

Downtown Medical, also known as the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project, is a controversial Scientology clinic on 139 Fulton Street in New York City, founded in 2003 with the purpose of treating people for toxins inhaled from the smoke of the 9/11 attacks. So far, 838 people (as at 7 Oct 2007) have completed the detoxification program. [ [http://www.philly.com/inquirer/health_science/daily/20071007_Clinics_results_make_9_11_responders_believe.html "Clinic's results make 9/11 responders believe. Critics aside, they say Scientology's detox center cures ills"] , The Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct 7, 2007]

Treatment program

The detox program is based on the teachings of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, and is explained in detail in his book Clear Body, Clear Mind. It claims to flush poisons from the body's fat stores using an intensive regimen of jogging, oil ingestion, sauna, and high doses of vitamins, particularly niacin.

Funding

The New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project is funded largely by private donations, including large donations from celebrity Scientologist Tom Cruise. Roughly 240 rescue workers and 80 downtown residents have undergone the program for free. Some non-rescue workers who undertake the program are asked to contribute $5,000 apiece.

Controversy

In December 2005, Scientology celebrity spokesman and co-founder of the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project at Downtown Medical, Tom Cruise, was severely criticized after urging NYC firefighters to abandon their medication and switch to Downtown Medical's Purification Rundown [ [http://www.hollywood.com/news/detail/id/3472160 "Cruise Blasted by 9/11 Firefighters"] , World Entertainment News Network, 14 December, 2005] , an alleged detoxification program that involves the use of saunas, vitamins, and consuming oils, for which he has previously drawn criticism. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/04/nyregion/04DETO.html?ex=1148011200&en=c46507c25827d1c3&ei=5070 "Scientologist's Treatments Lure Firefighters"] , Michelle O'Donnell, NY Times, 4 October, 2003] Although according to the clinics associate medical director, Dr. A. Kwabena Nyamekye, the clinic does not tell rescue workers to stop taking prescription drugs but helps them get off their medicines if they insist, making "...sure they do it safely". [http://http://www.rickross.com/reference/scientology/history/history18.html Daily News/December 13, 2003]

Downtown Medical is affiliated with Scientology's International Academy of Detoxification Specialistscite news | first = John | last = DeSio | title = The Rundown on Scientology’s Purification Rundown - What Scientologists aren’t telling you about their detox program (and how much it’s costing you) | url = http://www.nypress.com/20/22/news&columns/feature.cfm | publisher = New York Press | date = 2007-05-31 | accessdate = 2007-06-04] , although it does claim to be a secular organization, noting that it uses some of the non-religious writings of L. Ron Hubbard as opposed to his religious teachings. Most rescue workers have stated that they were "never confronted with Scientology, or its beliefs, at any time." Some rescue workers, especially retired workers on the payroll of the Centre, have expressed positive results, which they credtit to the program .The Purification Rundown is also used by Narconon and practicing Scientologists who believe it removes drug residues from the body.

Although Downtown Medical's mission statement is contradicted by a bulletin titled "Purification Rundown Case Data," in which the Church of Scientology states:

In 2006 Janeane Garofalo caused controversy by endorsing the program on her radio show. [ [http://msnbc.msn.com/id/12583654/ Garofalo gushes over Scientology-linked project - Gossip - MSNBC.com ] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.nydetox.org nydetox.org] New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project
* [http://www.detoxacademy.org detoxacademy.org]
* [http://www.holysmoke.org/cos/ny-firefighters-detox-scam.htm New York Times expose]
* [http://www.cultnews.com/archives/000619.html Rick Ross: "Will Scientology cash in on 9-11 tragedy through NYC Firemen?"]
* [http://www.nydailynews.com/news/local/story/145576p-128631c.html "Bravest taking the Cruise cure"] , Greg Gittrich, NY Daily News, 13 December, 2003
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ee also

* Clear Body, Clear Mind
* All About Radiation
* Narconon
* Dianazene