As part of a $130,000 public-education campaign, the National Institute on Drug Abuse on Dec. 1 unveiled a television ad linking HIV teen infection with drug abuse. NIDA, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, developed the 60-second public service announcement to highlight research showing that teens who use drugs and alcohol increase their likelihood of engaging in risky behavior and contracting HIV.

"There is a big link between HIV/AIDS and drug abuse and alcohol abuse," said Dr. Donald Vereen, special assistant to NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow.

The PSA involves a text-messaging exchange between two teenage girls, portrayed by two students at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in northwest Washington. The girls, both of whom are seniors and theatre majors, discuss via their cell phones a mutual friend who has recently learned she contracted HIV after taking drugs and engaging in "risky behavior" at a party.

During the PSA's screening at the school on World AIDS Day, Vereen told the audience of about 150 students that around 40,000 Americans contract HIV each year. Almost one of every 20 District of Columbia residents is HIV-positive, he added.

After the viewing, the students applauded loudly. "It was wonderful information," said senior Timesha Sutton. "It could definitely be practical to us, but I already practice abstinence." Ninth-grader Larry Dixon said he appreciated the frank discussion about sex that accompanied the screening. "It's important to learn stuff like that so when I have sex, I'll be protected," said Dixon.

The PSA was produced by Rockville-based health communications firm IQ Solutions Inc. Print versions of the ad will be placed on buses and platforms in the District and in Dallas this month, the company said.

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