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HIV Services
New Faces Campaign
The HCHD, in collaboration with the Houston Department of
Health and Human Services, launched a social marketing campaign – The New Faces
of HIV in Houston – on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2002, to increase HIV testing
among African Americans in their 20s and 30s.
Campaign materials include:
A new HIV information line (281-HIV-INFO) was established
for this campaign, which is answered 24 hours a day/7days a week by the United
Way Helpline. Since the inception of this campaign, the HCHD has performed an
average of 190 HIV tests per month, an increase from an average of 88 HIV tests
per month in 2002.
Are you at risk?
If you’ve had unprotected sex or have ever shared a needle, you’re at risk.
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that destroys your immune system. It kills off the cells that
help your body fight off infection and disease.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is the condition you get when HIV has destroyed your immune system. With a
weakened immune system, you can’t fight off infection and disease. A common cold
could make you very sick.
If I’m going to die from it anyway, why should I know
if I have HIV?
Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV can mean the difference between life and
death. People with HIV are living longer and better lives with help from drug
treatments, proper nutrition and health education. Early HIV testing and medical
care are key in providing HIV-positive people with the resources for maintaining
long-term health.
Testing is confidential.
Many people with HIV still feel healthy. The only way to know for sure if you
have HIV is to get tested.
Do the right thing.
Get tested.
Call 281-HIV-INFO
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