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Responding to an immediate need in our community; the Capital City AIDS Fund (CCAF) has undertaken an aggressive effort to promote HIV prevention to Sacramento area youth. Alarmingly, a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control indicates that HIV infection among youth has skyrocketed. And, 50% of the new infections are in youth under 25 years of age!
HIV infection rates had slowed significantly among youth over the past two decades. Now, it appears whole new generations of young people are not getting the message about HIV/AIDS. In response, CCAF has stepped up to the plate. We don’t rely on federal funding and are not bound by the federal rules that require empty messages that fail to reach our youth today.
In 2005, CCAF rolled out its new HIV prevention campaign. Dozens of message boards, which include full-color posters and condom dispensers, were installed in key locations including local bars and other gathering places. More than 1,500 free condoms are being distributed each month. In addition, hundreds of safe-sex kits have been distributed to 18-and-over youth at special event gatherings. If this campaign has prevented even a small number of infections, the effort has been well worth it.
Our materials carry direct, impactful HIV prevention messages targeted specifically to youth in our community. This is not about judging people. This is all about preventing infections and saving lives.
Thank you for your support.
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