HIV STOPS WITH US-Los Angeles began its bus shelter domination in West Hollywood. Ads displaying each of the spokemodels can be seen up and down Santa Monica Blvd. We hope you enjoy seeing them as much as we do.

On December 8th, HIV STOPS WITH US-New York City implemented its subway ad domination plan. Ads featuring each spokemodel were placed throughout the West 4th and Lenox and 125th station. If you're in the area, we encourage you to go take a look. Feel free to submit comments about your experience via the "Submit Your Story" or comment form.

AIDS: This is no time for complacency
Jay A. Levy
Src: SF Gate (San Francisco Chronicle)

This World AIDS Day coincides with the 25th anniversary of the discovery of HIV, the cause of this worldwide epidemic. In 1981, several of us faced the sudden appearance in San Francisco of a new disease entity characterized by pneumonias, cancers and a marked reduction in immune activity. When HIV was identified in 1983, at last the scientific community had a target for directing therapy and eventually a vaccine.

We are please to announce that the Los Angeles HIV STOPS WITH US campaign launched successfully on World AIDS Day. The launch took place in conjunction with the West Hollywood Candle Light Vigil. Scott Campbell spoke at the event while the other spokesmodels joined him on stage. There were several positive comments about the campaign, and overall the launch was a success. Feel free to check out the video footage from the launch in the video section of the website.

HIV STOPS WITH US is pleased to announce the addition of two new spokesmodels in two of our cities. Vivian will be joining us in New York City and Lester in Boston. Both spokemodels will be added to the website and media in the coming months. Congratulations and welcome to both of our new campaign members!

The HIV STOPS WITH US (HSWU)-Oakland Launch Event was a huge success. The event was well attended, lively and fun. All of the spokemodels and their support persons were present. Each spokesmodels got the opportunity to discuss their reasons for becoming spokemodels. They also explained why the campaign is so important to them and their community. Representatives from the Alameda County Office of AIDS Administration were extremely please with the spokemodels and the campaign, and briefly discussed their future plans for HSWU. This was a great event and an amazing day.

We are pleased to announce that Daniel, one of our spokesmodels in Oakland, received the Charles E. Edgar Service Award from the Cosmopolitan Health and Human Services Committee in East Oakland for his exceptional work in HIV prevention. Receiving this award was a complete surprise to Daniel, but it let him know that the campaign and the outreach he and others are doing is indeed making a positive impact on high risk communities in East Oakland. Daniel also delivered a moving speech, on living with HIV, at the Tapestry Ministries in Berkeley, CA.

Recently Alfredo took a trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. While there, he participated in a health fair hosted by a local HIV prevention and education organization called Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA (VES). In addition to meeting with some of the residents and attending HIV prevention meetings, Alfredo was given the opportunity to talk about the campaign and his role as a spokesmodel. Alfredo had an amazing time and hopes to see HIV STOPS WITH US-Puerto Vallarta one day.