When it comes to HIV/AIDs within the black community it is kind of a sleeping giant, or the 700lbs gorrilla in the corner. Something that is publicly discussed, while privately neglected. A high level of attention and awareness for this very important issue has increased with the help of various media outlets and awareness campaigns all over the world. Although awareness is great its still a serious issue and will continue to be if people don’t take the problem into their own hands and actually come up with a solution. The best solution for the problem is getting tested.
The good folks in Houston have taken this problem into their own hands and created a solution through a massive HIV awareness campaign offering information and testing services. Check out the information provided in the press release and BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!
PRESS RELEASE:
Hip Hop for HIV Awareness – Thirteen big acts for one important test
HOUSTON (June 19, 2009) — Radio Station KBXX-FM 97.9 The Box, The Houston Department of Health and Human Services and AIDS Foundation Houston in conjunction with the NAACP Houston Branch and Amerigroup Community Care are sponsoring a city-wide awareness campaign for HIV and STD education.
Hip Hop for HIV Awareness is slated to be the single largest testing event in the United States. The goal of the campaign is to provide free and confidential HIV and syphilis screening to 15,000 youth and young adults between the ages of 15-40 in the City of Houston. Free testing begins Monday, June 22 for four consecutive days at the NAACP FamilyTechnology Center located at 4203 Fannin Street in Houston and will continue through July 10th at various other locations across the city.
Hip Hop for HIV Awareness encourages youth and young adults to receive free testing and consultation. Each person tested will receive one ticket to a star-studded concert featuring national recording artists Plies, Pleasure P, Day 26, Melanie Fiona, Bobby Valentino, LeToya Luckett, Twista, Yung Problemz, Yung L.A., G.T., Gorilla Zoe, Bun B and Ginuwine.
The concert event will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2009 in Houston at The George R. Brown Convention Center from 2:00p – 6:00p. Only those tested for HIV and receiving their results will be issued a ticket for admittance.
The HIV epidemic is a growing concern. African Americans, women and youth are among the fastest growing population of new HIV infections. There are 18,404 individuals known living with HIV in Houston/ Harris County and an estimated 3,500 to 4,500 individuals living with undiagnosed HIV infection. Every 9 ½ minutes someone is infected with HIV in the United States.
For testing dates and locations or for additional information concerning this event go to www.kbxx.com. For media opportunities contact Jerry McCruse at the number listed above.