Atlanta rapper Ludacris will star in a new series of public service announcements for the National Runaway Switchboard, in an effort to promote the organization's new chat line for troubled teens.

The National Runaway Switchboard's chat service aims to provide teens with advice on finding clothing, food, shelter and medical assistance. Ludacris, who has been involved with the organization since 2006, will appear in upcoming ads to promote the new help tool.

"I'm fortunate I'm in a position where I can help the National Runaway Switchboard reach out to runaway and at-risk youth," Ludacris said in a statement. "I want young people to know they don't have to face their problems alone and this new live chat service will provide another way to get the help they need."

NRS's executive director, Maureen Blaha, explained the importance of Ludacris' participation in an additional statement. "Between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away each year," Blaha said. "Featuring Ludacris in this PSA campaign will make runaway and at-risk youth and their families aware of the help they can receive from NRS."

In June 2010, Ludacris received a Humanitarian Award from the non-profit Developing Options, for all of his charitable endeavors. In 2000, he launched The Ludacris Foundation to encourage teenage involvement in the creative arts, and in recent months he has been an outspoken advocate for AIDS awareness campaigns.

Ludacris is currently prepping his eighth studio album, 'Ludaversal,' for a late 2011 release. The rapper, who was recently in the news for rumors he married his longtime girlfriend, is also filming the comedy, 'New Year's Eve.'

Visit 1800Runaway.org to support Luda's latest initiative.



Watch Ludacris' 'How Low'
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