FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, DC – October 11, 2001)

San Patrignano, in northern Italy, is Europe’s largest live-in drug rehabilitation center. It will be the topic of a conference “A New Hope in San Patrignano” Saturday, October 20 from 9:00 AM to 10 :00 AM at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Lincoln East Room in Washington, DC. The conference is sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) and presented in conjunction with the NIAF’s 26th Anniversary Annual Convention & Gala weekend, October 19 and 20, 2001. The conference is free and open to the public.

Italy’s San Patrignano has nearly 1,500 recovering addicts who receive free room, board and vocational training. The center, founded in 1978, boasts a 72 percent success rate. The San Patrignano method offers recovering addicts: treatment and a marketable skill. Recovering addicts must commit to staying there for three years.

Andrea Muccioli, president and director of San Patrignano, will discuss the unique techniques that have brought the non-profit organization such success, using videos, case studies, and his first-hand experience.

A continental breakfast will be served before the conference from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM.

To register, contact: Nunzia Hurst at 202/939-3103202/939-3103 or nunzia@niaf.org