PITTSBURGH, PA (March 17, 2003) – Lonnie Johnson is helping Hill District residents to focus on “technology—not drugs.” The computer science professional is the founder and administrator of the Digital Diversity Lab, a technology center and “in-spot” at 2841 Bedford Avenue where people of all ages are learning new skills.
Johnson opened the Digital Diversity Lab in September 2002 based on his awareness of government data and trends showing that computer training and development are often lacking in certain demographic and conomically depressed communities. “I envisioned a center that would keep youths off the street and help people learn skills to get their first real job or return to the workplace,” said Lonnie Johnson, who is a technology consultant to Mobile Medical Corporation, Bethel Park, PA, which provides occupational health and drug-testing services for business and industry.			“Digital Diversity Lab” helps individuals of all ages to learn computer skills.
. “We are teaching people to use the Internet, Word, Excel, Access and graphics programs for business, as well as be productive and involved in positive activities. We are giving young people a place to hang out and use the Internet, rather than to risk getting into trouble.”	Lonnie Johnson

Promoting a drug-free environment is an important objective for Johnson. Through his work with Mobile Medical Corporation, he has seen the staggering impact of substance abuse on business and industry. Substance abuse costs American businesses more than $100 billion per year. It also represents 50 percent of all absenteeism, 36 percent of employee theft, 34 percent of manufacturing defects, and 50 percent of loss of productivity.

Through life experience, Johnson also has seen the effects of drug abuse--especially on people in economically depressed areas. Born in the Hill District in 1972 and spending a large majority of his adolescence in the Elmore Square housing projects, Johnson became aware of community substance abuse problems at a young age and chose right then to pursue a career path to “technology—not drugs.” Fascinated by the business machines and data programming of the 1980s, he concentrated on computers while attending Brashear High School and later the University of Pittsburgh, where he received a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1995.

During the late 1980s and 1990s, Johnson began serving as a role model for young people by promoting a drug-free lifestyle and demonstrating a strong interest in education and self development. He received numerous high school honors, as well as two Housing Authority-City of Pittsburgh scholarships that acknowledged his “stay away from drugs” message and lifestyle. The scholarships helped pay for his college education; one included an internship with the former Equibank financial institution in Pittsburgh.

In the years that followed, Johnson has supplied database management and technology services for Mobile Medical Corporation, which develops and administers substance-abuse programs. In 2002, he took his commitment to technology and drug-free living to the next level by founding the Digital Diversity Lab.

“We are making a difference in the community and I am grateful to the supporters who got us started and believe in our mission,” Johnson said. “Among them is Carlow Hill College, which donated several computers and is permitting us to use this space. The Corporate Collection donated several high-end computers and paid for some of the DSL Internet service for the lab. Various city residents have supported the lab through multiple fundraisers that included software sales. Mobile Medical Corporation has provided equipment and leadership support.”

“Lonnie Johnson is a high-achieving professional who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the advancement of technology and the promotion of a safe, drug free environment,” said Cynthia J. Latsko, president, Mobile Medical Corporation. “As a recognized provider of substance abuse programs nationwide, we know how important Lonnie’s achievements are. We urge him to continue his work at the Digital Diversity Lab and everyone to share his vision for a healthy, productive Pittsburgh.”

Based in Bethel Park near Pittsburgh, PA, with offices in Cleveland, OH, Mobile Medical Corporation is a leading company in the occupational health field nationwide. Founded in 1991, MMC provides on-site industrial medical services including physical exams, nursing services, substance-abuse testing and labor management cooperative programs. MMC is the first company to provide multi-site, integrated testing with 24-hour results via Internet and is committed to setting new standards for expertise and service.