New York HIV awareness program targets youth (12890)

New York City's Gay Men's Health Crisis this month launched a new HIV awareness campaign that targets the city's at-risk youth. The campaign, called "Art, Rhymes, and Life: Draw the Line on HIV," kicked off with an event on June 12 in Brooklyn, N.Y., that featured actress and choreographer Rosie Perez and artists Nic and Stem. "Art, Rhymes, and Life" will continue throughout the summer and fall with a series of Saturday afternoon events held in city neighborhoods hit hard by AIDS. Local artists will create new works focusing on HIV and AIDS at the events, and attendees will be able to create their own works of art and listen to music provided by a DJ. Slam poetry performances also will be held. "GMHC's goal, with its 'Art, Rhymes, and Life' program, is to reduce the transmission of HIV among New York City youth by making sure they are informed and encouraging them to talk about HIV and AIDS," said Ana Oliveira, GMHC executive director. For more information about the campaign and a calendar of upcoming events, go online to www.drawthelineonhiv.org.