Brody's Notes... 'Never Just HIV' Campaign Launched By NYC Health Department

Dr. Thomas Farley with NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Photo By Spencer Platt  Getty Images

By Brody Levesque (Bethesda, Maryland) DEC 11 | The New York City Department of Health has launched a new effort in the fight to combat the spread of HIV. The "Never Just HIV" campaign is an attempt to prevent people from feeling that HIV is not as harsh as a disease as it once was simply because treatments are more available and effective.

The Department this past Tuesday released a new Public Service Advert for television and cable broadcast in the city and Tri-State areas that graphically warns Gay & Bisexual men that contracting HIV could lead to other health problems such as bone loss, dementia, and anal cancer. 

The public service announcement, which briefly shows a person with anal cancer, will air this month for two weeks and then reappear in January for an additional two weeks and is also posted on YouTube.

Dr.Thomas Farley, New York City's Health Commissioner told reporters during a briefing regarding the public service advert;

“I hope all New Yorkers will heed the stark message of this campaign and take personal responsibility for their health and that of their partners. We have made tremendous progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but this is no time for complacency. HIV continues to take a major toll on men who have sex with men — regardless of whether they identify as gay — and the virus is spreading more each year in those under 30. This spot should serve as a wake-up call. Unprotected sex is still dangerous, and more partners means more risk.”

Dr. Farley also noted that the PSA targets men who have sex with men, a group that accounts for about 44% of new HIV diagnoses every year in New York's five boroughs.

Along with the PSA campaign, the department is placing emphasis on the use of condoms and lubricant when having sex, and to avoid alcohol and drugs when a sexual situation may occur because people are less likely to use protection when under the influence.

WARNING: The Following Public Service Announcement Is Graphic- Viewer Discretion Is Advised: