“America, Grow Up: Use A Condom” says AHF in New Ad

In News by AHF

New LA outdoor advertising awareness campaign promotes condom usage, screening for STDs 

LOS ANGELES (May 13, 2016)  AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has unveiled its latest outdoor advertising campaign with a new election-season message that speaks as much to the tone of today’s political climate as it does to the steady stream of announcements from health agencies reporting rising STD and HIV incidence rates in the U.S.

The “America, Grow Up. Use a Condom.” campaign launched this week with teaser bus benches in selected Los Angeles locations. The ads build upon the organization’s headline-grabbing success in promoting STD/HIV prevention and responsible sexual choices across gender lines and sexual orientation.

The artwork begins with a timeworn American flag inspired by U.S. artist Jasper Johns’ Flag painting, an iconic national work signifying a resilient nation that has withstood countless challenges. The campaign’s key message, “America, Grow Up. Use a Condom” is presented in all caps, a direct nod to the urgency of the call to action.  With outdoor billboards scheduled to follow next week, the ads direct Angelenos to AHF.org, where visitors can learn more about the public awareness campaign and locate STD/HIV testing and treatment services in their area.

“While many European countries have long used frank or even provocative public health messages to raise awareness, America has been slower to shed its long-held inhibitions—especially regarding the need for direct, candid sexual health education,” explains AHF President Michael Weinstein.  “In this presidential election year, many young Americans will turn 18 and exercise their right to vote for the first time.  As young people accept the responsibility to become informed members of the voting population, they—along with all sexually active adults—must be reminded to become sexually responsible adults by using condoms and having regular screenings for STDs and HIV.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), young people are the most at-risk population for contracting STDs, with sexually active males and females aged 15-24 years acquiring half of all new STDs.

“While the widespread usage of mobile dating apps and America’s “hook up” culture has made it easier than ever to engage in casual sex, AHF wants to remind all sexually active people that practicing safer sex by using condoms is a necessary responsibility that comes with being an adult,” continued Weinstein.

For more information and to locate AHF’s STD/HIV screening and treatment services, visit www.useacondom.com or www.freestdcheck.org.

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