Free Hip Hop for HIV concert to reward youths for getting HIV, STD tests

Who: Approximately 8,000 Houston teens and young adults, Hip Hop artists, the Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS), AIDS Foundation Houston, many other community-based organizations and KBXX 97.9 FM “The Box.”

What: Houston teens and young adults will attend a free Hip Hop concert as a reward for testing for HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases. The concert line-up includes Hip Hop artists Kirko Bangz, Driicky Graham, Travis Porter, Beat King, Z-Ro and V.I.C. HDHHS teamed with many organizations to sponsor the testing sites during the past two months as part of its sixth annual Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Campaign. The initiative kicks off each year on June 27, observed as National HIV Testing Day. Hip Hop for HIV is the largest HIV testing event in the country. 

When: Friday, Aug. 10, 2012 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  

Where: Reliant Arena, One Reliant Center, Houston, Texas  

Why: The annual Hip Hop for HIV Awareness Campaign targets people ages 15 to 40 who are less likely to access HIV and other sexually-transmitted disease services through traditional health-care providers or don’t seek STD information because of stigmas, cultural and community fear and discrimination associated with people with HIV or AIDS. It creates a safe environment to obtain health education, STD tests and treatment services.