HIV Equal Event Held at University of New Haven on Sept. 25

On Thursday, September 25, the popular social media and photographic testing and anti-stigma initiative, "HIV Equal," which was founded by Norwalk-based World Health Clinicians (WHC), is headed to the University of New Haven where it will be joined by Liberty Community Services for its premiere event in the area as part of its national testing and anti-stigma campaign.

"We're giving back to our local community as much as we are helping to increase testing awareness for the HIV virus nationally and internationally," expressed Dr. Gary Blick, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of World Health Clinicians. "By hosting local HIV Equal events here in Connecticut, we're helping to stem the stigma and fear surrounding testing for HIV and also opening the doors for those youth who have never been tested.

Known for its unique magenta glow, the HIV Equal testing and anti-stigma photo campaign illustrates that regardless of their HIV status everyone is equally valuable. It recently returned from events in Los Angeles, New York, Provincetown and Hartford. Internationally, the campaign had presence in Melbourne, Australia where delegates from the initiative attended the AIDS 2014 conference and met with former President Bill Clinton, as well as from Africa where the campaign held events specifically in Zimbabwe.

Today, nearly 1.2 million Americans are estimated to be living with the virus. In addition, the most affected and at-risk community is men who have sex with men aged 13-24, according to the most recent CDC data.

"Through HIV Equal, we hope to continue utilizing social media to increase awareness of HIV testing and the virus itself," said Blick. "Our message is simple: Get tested. Get photographed. Fight the stigma."

HIV Equal has earned the support of celebrities, models, athletes and notable politicians who have all helped to garner greater visibility in affected communities in each city and in many parts across the U.S. Some of the names attached to the campaign include Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Congressman Jim Himes (D-CT), Tony award winner and Broadway star Billy Porter, "Ru Paul's Drag Race" winner Bianca Del Rio, actress Kristin Banta, YouTube sensation and "American Idol" finalist Todrick Hall, among many others.

While the campaign includes both HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants, those who identify as HIV-negative take a rapid HIV test with an on-hand health professional followed by the opportunity to take a photo on-set with celebrity photographer Thomas Evans. The rapid HIV test is confidential, with results available in 20 minutes. If an individual does test 'reactive' for HIV antibodies, on-hand staff is prepared to provide that person with the necessary counseling and linkage to care.

WHC understands both the human and the financial cost of HIV/AIDS, and has developed HIV Equal through a social media strategy of visibility to encourage people across the U.S., and across the globe, to get tested and to know their HIV status. It will continue to push for greater visibility through its own social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and its very own online magazine.

"HIV Equal" will be held from Noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 25 at the UNH Alumni Lounge in Bartels Hall, 300 Boston Post Road in West Haven, CT 06516.