What better way is there to get young people out for HIV awareness than to host a basketball tournament? Metro Teen AIDS in collaboration with Real Talk DC hosted its fifth annual ‘Hoop N for HIV’ on last Saturday. The athletic event was held in recognition of National HIV Testing Day. Turkey Thicket Recreation center was bustling with music, food, giveaways, basketball games, and of course HIV testing. Metro Teen AIDS is a non-profit organization based in Southeast DC. For over 20 years it has been helping youth become educated about HIV and empowered to make responsible decisions to protect themselves. Saturday’s tournament was sponsored by the DC Department of Health and the Department of Justice, Justice Grants Administration.
Metro Teen AIDS, noted for developing innovative ways to reach out to DC youth, employ creative techniques to educate participants about HIV and the dangers of alcohol and drugs. They have hosted poetry slams, essay contests, safer sex parties, and brown bag lunchtime discussions. “We try to find an innovative way to immerse HIV and STI information as well as substance abuse information during the basketball tournament,” says Carmel Pryor, Social Marketing Manager for MTA. During the game, trivia questions were posed to the audience about HIV and substance abuse. Correct answers were rewarded with $25 gift cards. Audience members were challenged to try layup drills with drunk goggles. Drunk goggles impair one’s vision and proves that if a person is under the influence of alcohol and drugs, his or her judgment can be invalidated. Attendees could make video messages about HIV for a chance to win a Flip Camcorder. Safe sex kits were distributed with not only condoms and lubricants but also information on how to properly use condoms and where to get HIV and STI testing around the city. “I think the general public knows that HIV is an issue. But there’s still a stigma around getting tested. So we offer testing at Metro Teen AIDS as well as counseling,” adds Pryor.
The youth in DC must never be forgotten when it comes to HIV education. Early intervention is one of the most effective ways to combat an epidemic. Basketball drew in the crowd. Education will bring them back again.
For more information on Metro Teen AIDS, click here. To get free condoms or find out where to get tested, text "realtalk" to 61827.
Get tested. Get care. Get involved.
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