APLA AND GMHC LAUNCH TWEAKENDS.ORG

Interactive Web site aims to educate gay and bi men on the impact of crystal meth 

Los Angeles, Calif., and New York, NY, January 30, 2007 – AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA) and Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) today announced the launch of tweakends.org, an online resource to help gay and bisexual men better understand crystal meth and how it impacts physical, mental and sexual health. Tweakends.org builds on both agencies’ growing portfolio of resources and programs confronting widespread use of the drug in gay communities.

The site features an interactive “drag and drop” feature by which users can ask a series of questions of a crystal ball to receive information about reducing risk, accessing health resources and connecting with other community members. The information provided is a combination of up-to-date medical language, candid talk and humor to engage visitors and inspire their thinking about use of the highly addictive drug.

Launched to coincide with the Second National Conference on Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis, to be held in Salt Lake City beginning February 1, Tweakends.org provides frank information for both HIV-positive and HIV-negative audiences on the chemistry and physical effects of the drug, reasons behind its widespread use and its relationship to sex. In addition, the site provides links to treatment programs and other resources in Los Angeles and New York , along with a start-up library of articles about the drug and a community bulletin board.

“Studies in Los Angeles and New York suggest alarming increases in crystal among gay and bisexual men of every ethnicity,” said Dr. George Ayala , director of education at AIDS Project Los Angeles. “This site asks visitors to consider the impact the drug can have on their health and sexual decision-making, while providing a forum to talk to others and connect to care anonymously.”

“Tweakends fills a need for accessible, accurate information about crystal and how to get help in New York and Los Angeles for people ready to take that step,” said Dr. Bill Stackhouse, director of The Institute for Gay Men’s Health at Gay Men’s Health Crisis. “As two of the U.S. cities hardest hit by HIV and crystal meth, we must build a response together in ways that allow men to educate themselves and their partners at their own pace.”

Tweakends.org expands on work already being done at APLA and GMHC to confront use of the drug in gay and bi communities in Los Angeles and New York . APLA runs a Crystal Meth Program for both users of the drug and their concerned friends and lovers, conducting multi-session trainings and public forums that aim to reduce the risk of HIV infection and the social isolation caused by the use of the drug. GMHC offers individual counseling, 10-week group counseling, and a drop-in support group for men confronting their crystal use and sexual health concerns, and has created multiple social marketing campaigns to raise awareness about crystal use and to connect men to treatment.

About APLA

AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest non-profit AIDS service organizations in the United States , provides bilingual direct services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related policy and legislation. Founded by four friends in 1982, APLA is a community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national and global reach. For more information, visit www.apla.org.

About GMHC

Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS.  Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority.  We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York City .  For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.

 ####