Washington, D.C., Youth Forum Promotes HIV Testing
About 500 youth in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday attended a forum that aimed to increase HIV/AIDS awareness among youth by encouraging HIV testing, the Washington Post reports. The forum -- sponsored by the Washington Mystics Foundation and YouthAIDS -- was composed of celebrity panelists, city officials and health experts -- including acting U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Mark Dybul, D.C. Administration for HIV Policy & Programs Director Marsha Martin, actress Ashley Judd and musicians Lyfe Jennings and Wynonna Judd, the Post reports. "We can't tackle this epidemic unless 90 or 100% of people know their status," Dybul said at the event, adding, "It's important to know if you're negative, so you can lead a happy, healthy life." To promote testing, Wynonna and Ashley Judd received HIV tests on stage (Greenwell, Washington Post, 8/3).
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.