For Immediate Release
January 30, 2007
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Media Contact:
Noel Alicea, GMHC
212.367.1216
Justin Burke, APLA
213.201.1525
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APLA AND GMHC LAUNCH TWEAKENDS.ORG
Interactive Web site aims to educate gay and bi men on the
impact of crystal meth
Los Angeles, Calif., and New York, NY, January 30, 2007 — AIDS Project
Los Angeles (APLA) and Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) today announced the launch
of
tweakends.org, an online resource to help gay and bisexual men better understand
crystal meth and how it impacts physical, mental and sexual health. Tweakends.org
builds on both agencies' growing portfolio of resources and programs confronting
widespread use of the drug in gay communities.
The site features an interactive "drag and drop" feature by
which users can ask a series of questions of a crystal ball to
receive information about reducing risk, accessing health resources
and connecting with other community members. The information provided
is a combination of up-to-date medical language, candid talk and humor
to engage visitors and inspire their thinking about use of the highly
addictive drug.
Launched to coincide with the Second National Conference on
Methamphetamine, HIV and Hepatitis, to be held in Salt Lake City
beginning February 1, Tweakends.org provides frank information for
both HIV-positive and HIV-negative audiences on the chemistry and
physical effects of the drug, reasons behind its widespread use
and its relationship to sex. In addition, the site provides links
to treatment programs and other resources in Los Angeles and
New York, along with a start-up library of articles about the
drug and a community bulletin board.
"Studies in Los Angeles and New York suggest alarming
increases in crystal among gay and bisexual men of every
ethnicity," said Dr. George Ayala, director of education
at AIDS Project Los Angeles. "This site asks visitors to
consider the impact the drug can have on their health and
sexual decision-making, while providing a forum to talk to
others and connect to care anonymously."
"Tweakends fills a need for accessible, accurate information
about crystal and how to get help in New York and Los Angeles
for people ready to take that step," said Dr. Bill Stackhouse,
director of The Institute for Gay Men's Health at Gay Men's
Health Crisis. "As two of the U.S. cities hardest hit by HIV
and crystal meth, we must build a response together in ways
that allow men to educate themselves and their partners at
their own pace."
Tweakends.org expands on work already being done at APLA and GMHC
to confront use of the drug in gay and bi communities in Los Angeles
and New York. APLA runs a Crystal Meth Program for both users of the
drug and their concerned friends and lovers, conducting multi-session
trainings and public forums that aim to reduce the risk of HIV infection
and the social isolation caused by the use of the drug. GMHC offers
individual counseling, 10-week group counseling, and a drop-in support
group for men confronting their crystal use and sexual health concerns,
and has created multiple social marketing campaigns to raise awareness
about crystal use and to connect men to treatment.
* * *
AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), one of the largest non-profit
service organizations in the United States, provides bilingual direct
services, prevention education and leadership on HIV/AIDS-related
policy and legislation. Founded by four friends in 1982, APLA is a
community-based, volunteer-supported organization with local, national
and global reach. For more information, visit
www.apla.org.
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported
and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the
fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread of HIV disease,
help people with HIV maintain and improve their health and independence,
and keep the prevention, treatment and cure of HIV an urgent national and
local priority. In fulfilling this mission, we will remain true to our
heritage by fighting homophobia and affirming the individual dignity of
all gay men and lesbians. We provide services and programs to over
15,000 men, women and families that are living with or affected by
HIV/AIDS in New York City. For more information, please visit www.gmhc.org.
© 2007 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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