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Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2008) visits our “Hop Off for Teens” Dec. 1.
Track star LaShawn Merritt spoke to 415 youth at our mega rally on World AIDS Day in Norfolk, VA. Merritt told the rapt audience that “playing it safe” was the smartest move to prevent HIV, whether one chooses to postpone sex or use condoms.
Dr. John and his team of high school and college students organized the largest event in the U.S. to promote the new HIV home test kits. Some even waited 40 minutes in line to get tested. As 19-year old Kirsten said, “It’s better to know.” Three HIV-positive youth attended.
This was the third entertainment event by TA-PC to attract youth for the instant HIV testing with live music, dance competitions and info sessions. TV and press covered the story. Dr. John said that “these are prototype events that will spread nationwide and benefit youth and society.”
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 11, 2013, Press Conference National “Teen-Testers” Street Campaign
April, 2013, 2K & Mega Beach and Sports events throughout U.S. via Skype Global Webcast & “World” Brunch
Refrigerator Magnet: $3
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LATEST NEWS
National “Teen-Testers” Campaign set to start Jan. 11. Dr. John takes new HIV test kits to the streets.
A major press release reports on the first-in-nation testing drive. The “Teen-Testers” initiative was originally announced in June, 2012. Teen-Testers and Dr. John take the new oral swab testing to small groups of teens wherever they gather. College volunteers explain that the youth AIDS epidemic is growing, not retreating, and no one is immune (teens can’t “see” HIV). Dr. John, a Harvard expert adds, “Because the stigma is so great, youth avoid getting tested. That means too many sexually active teens have no clue if they or their partners are infected.” The tests take 20 minutes and are ideal for home testing. TA-PC chooses not to take taxpayer funds to buy the kits preferring to rely on private donations.
12 PSAs ready for national broadcast and YouTube. All were written, acted and produced by youth.
Each one is thirty seconds and looks like an MTV music video but with only a visual story until the ending narration, “Teens must tell their friends about AIDS before it is too late.” Brandon, a 16-year old football player, said, “they are way cool — I liked Carnival Party the best.” Visit the “TeenAIDS” YouTube or our website
Global Walks Continue…
In October, Dr. John made Serbia his 86th country on his ongoing Global AIDS Walks; a world record for one volunteer. “Wherever I go, youth are incredibly interested to hear the facts and always have questions they are afraid to ask most adults.” Future walks are scheduled for sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and South America, finances permitting. College students often accompany Dr. John and local volunteers act as translators and guides.
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