Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Washington Times (12.02.05) - Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Marguerite Higgins
"There is a big link between HIV/AIDS and drug abuse and alcohol abuse," said Dr. Donald Vereen, special assistant to NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow.
The PSA involves a text-messaging exchange between two teenage girls, portrayed by two students at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in northwest Washington. The girls, both of whom are seniors and theatre majors, discuss via their cell phones a mutual friend who has recently learned she contracted HIV after taking drugs and engaging in "risky behavior" at a party.
During the PSA's screening at the school on World AIDS Day, Vereen told the audience of about 150 students that around 40,000 Americans contract HIV each year. Almost one of every 20 District of Columbia residents is HIV-positive, he added.
After the viewing, the students applauded loudly. "It was wonderful information," said senior Timesha Sutton. "It could definitely be practical to us, but I already practice abstinence." Ninth-grader Larry Dixon said he appreciated the frank discussion about sex that accompanied the screening. "It's important to learn stuff like that so when I have sex, I'll be protected," said Dixon.
The PSA was produced by Rockville-based health communications firm IQ Solutions Inc. Print versions of the ad will be placed on buses and platforms in the District and in Dallas this month, the company said.
051206
AD052454
Copyright © 2005 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.