April 2, 2009

MTV Launches New STI Testing Campaign

MTV, Kaiser Family Foundation and Planned Parenthood of America, along with other partners, launched their GYT: “Get Yourself Tested” campaign April 2. The goal is to raise awareness around the growing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among the MTV generation—those younger than 25.

A part of MTV’s It’s Your Sex Life partnership with Kaiser, the GYT campaign will star celebrities and singers such as Flo Rida, The All-American Rejects, Asher Roth, N.E.R.D., Santigold, Perez Hilton, Big Boi, Keri Hilson, Kid Sister and Joy Bryant. In addition, Facebook, public service announcements, an interactive website and MTV programs and films such as Pedro will encourage young people to get tested.

“The only way to know the status of your sexual health is to get tested. There’s no way around that fact,” said Stephen Friedman, general manager of MTV, in a statement. “This generation has the opportunity to redefine the conversation surrounding [STIs] and to break down stigmas. We hope this campaign will help arm our audience with the information and the ability to make GYT part of everyday life.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that young people ages 13 to 24 account for almost 10 million STI cases each year in the United States. Young people also make up almost 13 percent of those who are newly diagnosed with HIV nationwide.

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Alfredo, Baltimore, 2009-04-03 09:59:44
Great! This campaign is a great outreach effort for the youth and young adults. I am happy with all the collaboraters involved. Alfredo