02.09.2015
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Press Release: Advocates for Youth Takes Lead on Testing Makes Us Stronger Campaign

For Immediate Release  February 6, 2015
Contact

Rachel Cooke
202.419.3420
rachel@advocatesforyouth.org

In honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on February 6, Advocates for Youth is proud to lead the Testing Makes Us Stronger (TMUS) campaign. Approximately 1 in 4 new HIV infections is among youth ages 13-24. Of that number, same-gender loving black men ages 13-24 represent approximately sixty-percent of the HIV epidemic among youth. Every day, hundreds of young, same-gender loving Black men are faced with a myriad of different life experiences that impact their overall health and wellness.

The adaptation of Testing Makes Us Stronger (TMUS) is one part of a five-year cooperative agreement between Advocates for Youth and the Centers for Disease Control Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH). The project aims to implement supportive, school-centered HIV/STD prevention programs and school-based HIV/STD prevention related policies to reduce HIV and other STD risk and disparities among black and Latino YMSM ages 13-19. This work is done in partnership with local education agencies in three cities (Broward County, Florida; Los Angeles, California; and San Francisco, California) who will work in collaboration with community-based organizations to implement multiple program activities to meet the HIV and STD prevention needs of black and Latino young men who have sex with men.

Please join Advocates for Youth as we support young Black, same-gender loving black men in their efforts to leading healthy lives. For more information about Testing Makes Us Stronger campaign, please visit: www.advocatesforyouth.org/stronger

Organizations and individuals can join the campaign online by using the hashtag and suggested social media posts below:

Twitter:

Facebook:

• Young black gay and bisexual men are one of the groups most affected by HIV/AIDS.

Testing is important. If you test negative, protecting yourself will help you stay that way. If you test positive, early medical care can help you live a longer healthier life.

Find free, fast and confidential testing near you: www.advocatesforyouth.org/stronger

• Young black gay and bisexual men are standing up against HIV. We stay strong and informed. We get tested.

Find free, fast and confidential testing near you: www.advocatesforyouth.org/stronger

• We’re responsible for our bodies and the choices we make. We fight HIV by speaking up and knowing our status. Get tested. Find free, fast and confidential testing near you: www.advocatesforyouth.org/stronger

Find free, fast and confidential testing near you: www.advocatesforyouth.org/stronger

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Advocates for Youth is a national non-profit that champions programs and advocates for policies that help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their sexual health. Advocates’ Youth Activist Network stands 75,000 strong on 1,000 campuses and in tens of thousands of communities.