Local News in Brief : Schools Launch Information Service
The Los Angeles Unified School District on Thursday officially launched a 24-hour telephone information service that will use 74 brief recordings to provide encouragement and referrals on a variety of subjects, including drug abuse and AIDS prevention.
The messages, recorded in English and Spanish by experts and public figures, are not designed to replace health care or counseling services but rather to help children identify problems and seek additional assistance if needed.
Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser and former USC and Ram quarterback Pat Haden--whose voices will be among those children will hear when they telephone--helped inaugurate the project at the studios of KLCS-TV, the district’s television station. Mayor Tom Bradley and Police Chief Daryl F. Gates have also recorded messages.
The project, dubbed “Listen & Learn,” has been underwritten by Great American First Savings Bank. The service began operating last week, and officials hope it will field 1 million calls in its first year.
The telephone numbers are (213) 250-4555 in English and (213) 250-4222 in Spanish.
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