Downtown Medical

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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.[1]

Contents

[edit] Treatment program

Main article: Purification Rundown

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.

[edit] 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. Some non-rescue workers who have completed the program have been asked to contribute $5,000 apiece.[2]

[edit] 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[3], an alleged detoxification program that involves the use of saunas, vitamins, and consuming oils, for which he has previously drawn criticism. [4]

"Doctors do not know how to diagnose chemical exposures, because it can actually have mental ramifications," he argued. "There's things that we can do to help," he added. "Scientologists want to help people."

– Tom Cruise[5]

Downtown Medical is affiliated with Scientology's International Academy of Detoxification Specialists[2], 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. The Purification Rundown is also used by Narconon and practicing Scientologists who believe it removes drug residues from the body.

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

"The Purification Rundown is a Spiritual activity based on and administered according to the doctrine and practices of the religion of Scientology as set forth in the writings of L. Ron Hubbard and adopted by the Church. No part of the Rundown is intended as the diagnosis, prescription for, or treatment of any bodily or physical condition or ill."

– The boards of directors of the Churches of Scientology[6]

In 2006 Janeane Garofalo caused controversy by endorsing the program on her radio show. [7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Clinic's results make 9/11 responders believe. Critics aside, they say Scientology's detox center cures ills, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct 7, 2007
  2. ^ a b DeSio, John. "The Rundown on Scientology’s Purification Rundown - What Scientologists aren’t telling you about their detox program (and how much it’s costing you)", New York Press, 2007-05-31. Retrieved on 2007-06-04. 
  3. ^ Cruise Blasted by 9/11 Firefighters, World Entertainment News Network, 14 December 2005
  4. ^ Scientologist's Treatments Lure Firefighters, Michelle O'Donnell, NY Times, 4 October 2003
  5. ^ Tom Cruise, 28 November 2003 appearance on CNN's Larry King Live.
  6. ^ Hubbard, L. Ron (1980), Purification Rundown Case Data, Church of Scientology 
  7. ^ Garofalo gushes over Scientology-linked project - Gossip - MSNBC.com

[edit] External links

Scientology Portal

[edit] See also