CDC's 'Testing Makes Us Stronger' First Federal Campaign Focused on Gay Men

CDC recently launched a new public awareness and education campaign to encourage HIV testing among black men who have sex with men (MSM) ages 18-44. The new $2.4 million “Testing Makes Us Stronger” campaign is part of CDC’s national “Act Against AIDS” testing and prevention initiative.

“This is the first time the federal government is focusing a national campaign on gay and bisexual men and to black gay and bisexual men,” said Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention.

CDC worked closely with black MSM on the campaign, said Fenton. A key goal is to empower these men to be “safe, wiser and stronger,” he said.

Testing Makes Us Stronger will include:

*Online and magazine ads in black MSM-targeted and mainstream media outlets.

*Billboard, transit and print ads in six US cities where black MSM are especially hard-hit by HIV/AIDS.

*A website (www.hivtest.org/stronger) that includes a campaign overview, listing of local events, graphics and resources, testing site locator and basic HIV/AIDS information.

*A Facebook page (www.facebook.com/testingmakesusstronger) encouraging users to interact and get others to take charge of their health, with regular video updates, event listings and posts to start conversations.

*Twitter updates and related events shared through @AIDSgov, @HIVTalk and partner accounts.

*Promotional materials, including downloadable content for use locally.

*On-site outreach, promotional material distribution and related advertising at Black Pride events in 15 cities.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!