Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - December 9, 2003
In Chicago, African Americans comprise a whopping 64% of those recently diagnosed with AIDS. An increasing number of women also are contracting the disease, primarily through heterosexual sex.
Funded by CDPH, with support from GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Virology and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Kevin's Room 2" is part of the department's innovative social marketing strategy to deliver messages about HIV prevention in nontraditional settings.
"Traditional methods of health education, like fact sheets and brochures, are useful but only go so far," stated CDPH Commissioner John Wilhelm, M.D. "The continued urgency of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, especially in communities of color, demands that we find newer and more creative ways to attract attention and engage people in frank discussions of what HIV and related issues mean to individuals and to communities."
Produced and directed by Sharon Zurek of Black Cat Productions and CDPH Office of Lesbian and Gay Health Director Lora Branch, "Kevin's Room 2" is the second in a series of 60-minute films that explore gay and bisexual relationships, HIV testing, substance abuse and sexual risk taking in the lives of African-American men. It is the sequel to "Kevin's Room," an award- winning, internationally acclaimed drama that CDPH released in 2001.
"In producing the sequel, we made sure audiences could enjoy the storyline even if they didn't see the original," Branch explained. "We've added more of the drama and entertainment than some might expect from a health department. We've also added a new Latino character for another perspective."
"We at WCIU are honored to be bringing 'Kevin's Room 2' into the homes of Chicago television viewers," added Neal Sabin, executive vice president of WCIU-TV. "Twenty years of the AIDS epidemic mandates renewed attention and action regarding this critical health issue facing all Chicagoans."
"In many communities-but perhaps especially communities of color-it's not easy to talk about HIV/AIDS and issues relating to gay and bisexual men," Branch noted. "The obstacles we face are fear, misinformation, stigmatization and silence."
Viewing parties for the broadcast also have been scheduled at:
-- Club Escape, 1530 E. 75th St.
-- Club Reunion, 811 W. Lake St.
Doors open at 7 p.m. for prescreening festivities.
Call Witherspoon Marketing at (312) 360-9540 for more information.
SOURCE Chicago Department of Public Health
031209
PR031216
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