On HIV, People Are Listening
A few years ago, DC dealt with its growing population of people infected with HIV by offering education and outreach campaigns and passing out free condoms. A study released this week by the DC Department of Health found that the campaigns worked. Over 70% of the 810 respondents said they were aware of the city’s free condom services and half of respondents said they learned new things about HIV and testing from the campaigns. Many said they changed their behaviors by getting HIV information and getting tested, and others said they were using condoms more frequently because of the social marketing campaigns. DC Department of Health director Dr. Joxel Garcia says reaching residents in their homes or on the way to school and work has worked well to connect with residents.
