New Campaign Targets AIDS Prevention and Stigma

Uplifting Ads Feature HIV-Positive New Yorkers Speaking Out

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 15, 2011) – Nine HIV-positive New Yorkers are featured in ads in Buffalo and New York City to voice the message that the spread of HIV must stop.

"This latest phase of the HIV Stops With Me campaign, called 'We're Still Here,' delivers an uplifting, empowering message that people who have HIV are on the front line of prevention and treatment efforts," said State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H.

The $325,000 campaign, paid with federal Ryan White funding, highlights the contributions that HIV-positive individuals make in protecting themselves, their partners and their communities, with the message: "We're Still Here, Still Taking Care of Ourselves, Still Protecting You."

The campaign spokesmodels represent a diverse group of HIV-positive men and women. Each person is committed to stopping the spread of HIV, while also promoting self-care and healthy living. The spokesmodels interact with people who visit the campaign's web site, www.HIVStopsWithMe.org, make public appearances, and share their stories through the media.

AIDS Institute Director Humberto Cruz said, "We need to keep HIV prevention on the front burner because people are still dying from this disease every day in New York, and new infections are increasing in some groups. This campaign reminds people how important it is to take care of themselves and their sex or drug-using partners."

The campaign hub is at the web site www.HIVStopsWithMe.org, where people can engage with the spokesmodels, read about issues related to HIV/AIDS, and learn about local services and events. Campaign ads will appear in subway stations, on buses, in print publications and online banner ads throughout New York City and Buffalo through March 31.

For more information about the campaign, please visit www.HIVStopsWithMe.org. For more information about HIV/AIDS, call the New York State HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-541-AIDS (Spanish, 1-800-233-SIDA).