For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Justin Burke - 213.201.1525
EMAIL:jburke@apla.org
AIDS PROJECT LOS ANGELES LAUNCHES FINAL PHASE OF MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN
“Head Project” Billboard Asks West Hollywood Gay Men About Risks
June 1, 2004, Los Angeles, CA – AIDS Project Los Angeles today announced the final phase of its “Head Project” with the launch of a bulletin billboard on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood. “Head Project” is a social marketing campaign addressing HIV prevention and mental health needs among gay men in West Hollywood.
The final phase of “Head Project” responds directly to concerns raised by gay men through in-depth interviews and focus groups. It poses the question, "Do you handle your risks OR do your risks handle you?” and encourages viewers to challenge community norms of isolation, apathy and silence, and instead to "Feel. Heal. Deal."
This highly visible billboard is intended to generate community-wide discussions, particularly during the upcoming Christopher Street West Gay Pride celebration, and will remain up through mid-July. “Head Project” was designed specifically for West Hollywood, where 3,500 men are estimated to be HIV-infected and the number of AIDS cases is the highest in Los Angeles County.
“Head Project” is made possible through the support of the City of West Hollywood and the assistance of David Giugni and Tom West. Created over a two-year period with designer Andy Williams, “Head Project” has featured printed and online materials with perspectives on gay men, mental health and HIV.
AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the nation’s largest AIDS service organizations, provides direct, bilingual services to more than 7,500 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Los Angeles County each year. Services include prevention education, food banks and nutrition education, professional dental care, mental health counseling, housing and transportation assistance, information and referral services, case management and home health care. APLA is a leader in the development of HIV prevention programs, and helps shape fair and effective HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation in response to the local, national and international epidemics. For more information, please visit www.apla.org.
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