AIDS PREVENTION: Health Department Kicks Off Campaign Aimed at Latinos
The state Department of Health Services Monday kicked off its new campaign aimed at promoting AIDS prevention among minority populations, the Los Angeles Times reports. The "latest promotion tool" is a 1953 Chevy Bel-Air -- a shiny, red, refurbished lowrider -- donated by the Modesto car club. Campaign organizers are hoping to use the car's popularity among Latinos to draw their attention during its statewide tour over the next 15 months. At each stop, representatives from local AIDS groups will distribute information and answer questions about the disease. Talk show host Cristina Saralegui, the "queen of Latin American television," helped start the festivities. State Health Director Diana Bonta said, "We're trying to increase awareness and reduce HIV infection rates ... by presenting messages in a way that young people can relate to and remember." The department also plans to launch a "Rap It Up" rap contest, aimed at reaching the African American community. Currently, Latinos account for one in every three new AIDS cases in the state (4/18).
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