Broken Frontier

Dr. Rani Whitfield M.D., AKA “Tha Hip Hop Doc”, announced today the launch of his information campaign on the dangers of drinking and driving entitled “My Life is in Your Hands.” Funded by a grant from the Louisiana Highway Safety commission, Dr. Whitfield will be doing a statewide eighteen high school speaking tour as well as creation and distribution of a comic book, web site (www.h2dwi.com), song and spoken word poem on the subject. Each school will receive 50 copies of each item in a protective folder so they can be used repeatedly. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is one of the major causes of death in young people in this country. Dr. Whitfield says that he wants to engage students and make them think about the importance of health.

This launch comes on the heels of Dr. Whitfield recently receiving the American Academy of Family Practice Public Health Award and the Legacy Award given by the American Heart Association for his community efforts and volunteerism. “Kids today have more distractions and burdens then ever and one more lecture doesn’t mean a thing to them. They aren’t dumb and they hate to be talked down to,” says Whitfield. “It’s my passion to help parents and teachers find alternative ways to educate young people.” The comic book, written by Whitfield and drawn by artist Greg Nichols, tells the story of two friends, one making a decision to drive under the influence of alcohol putting the other in serious danger.

“This campaign is a way for us to speak in their language and remind them about the dangers of driving under the influence. Through sequential art, music and poetry we open a door and remind them to be vigilant in protecting their lives and those around them,” explained Whitfield. Even though the grant was written for the state of Louisiana, Dr. Whitfield is ready to take his show on the road as he speaks nationally and to all age groups on various topics.

To learn more about the Hip Hop Doc go to www.h2doc.com or to learn more about the heroes in his comics check out www.legionofhealth.com. To join his mailing lists sign up at http://www.h2doc.com/main/inside.php?page=contact. To buy comics or cds visit http://www.webgallerydisplay.com/h2doc/hip_hop_shop/.