June 15, 2009

The Third Annual Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Intervention, a four-day screening event, will reward 15,000 teens and young adults tested for HIV and syphilis with a concert.

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) has teamed up with several organizations to sponsor the free and confidential screening event from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 22 to June 25 at the NAACP Family Technology Center, 4203 Fannin. The event represents HDHHS’ efforts leading up to the observance of June 27 as National HIV Testing Day. 

Artists performing at the Hip Hop for HIV concert, set for July 11 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the George R. Brown Convention Center, include Plies, Day 26, LeToya Luckett, Bobby Valentino and guest appearances by Bun B and others.

The event targets people ages 15 to 40 who would never access HIV and other sexually-transmitted disease services through traditional health-care providers or don’t seek STD information because of stigmas, cultural and community fear and discrimination associated with people with HIV or AIDS. It creates a safe environment to obtain health education, STD tests and treatment services.

Other organizations joining HDHHS’ Bureau of HIV/STD and Viral Hepatitis Prevention in sponsoring the event include KBXX-FM “97.9 The Box,” AIDS Foundation Houston, NAACP-Houston Branch, Amerigroup Community Care, Planned Parenthood, St. Hope Foundation, Cricket Wireless, Strapped Condoms and other community-based organizations.

Photo identification such as a driver’s license or a state, military or school ID is needed to get tested. 

For more information, call HDHHS at 713-794-9020.