New anti-crystal meth ad unveiled in New York (12271)

As part of an ongoing campaign to warn gay men of the dangers of crystal meth use, New York's Crystal Meth Working Group is releasing a new public service announcement to coincide with Mother's Day on May 9. The ad, designed by gay men, former meth users, and community health leaders, takes the shape of a Mother's Day card sent from a gay man who's abusing crystal and warns of the mental and physical problems linked with its use, including being at a higher risk for HIV infection. The group chose Mother's Day to launch the second ad of its ongoing campaign for two reasons, said group member Dan Carlson. "This ad creates a persona of a young, enthusiastic man writing home who's very much in need of a supportive family. But he certainly hasn't found one in New York," he said. "This community should be that surrogate family, and we have in many ways dropped the ball. In addition, there is little doubt that once crystal use becomes a habit, family and friends will feel the devastation firsthand."

Text on the ad reads, "Dear Mom, I love New York City. I've made a lot of great friends. We like to party with crystal meth, and I've even become addicted. It's not so bad. The suicidal thoughts, depression, paranoia, and guilt about missed work go away with one little bump. So does my fear of HIV." The ad will run on posters throughout lower Manhattan as well as in such publications as Next Magazine, HX, and Gay City News.

The Mother's Day advertisement follows a January campaign designed by group member Peter Staley that carried the tag line "Huge Sale! Buy Crystal, Get HIV Free!" The current ad can be viewed online at www.hivforumnyc.org.