Texas: Get Tested for HIV, Get Free Concert Tickets

People ages 15-30 who get tested for HIV during a series of testing days will receive free tickets to the "Hip-Hop 4 HIV Know Your Status!" concert on June 30 at Houston's Reliant Arena.

"The idea behind the concert is to give an incentive to young people who might otherwise delay learning their HIV status," said state Rep. Borris Miles (D-District 146). "District 146 has the highest HIV rate in the entire state of Texas. Three-quarters of Harris County HIV numbers come out of District 146."

Free, confidential HIV tests, either finger-prick or oral swab, will be offered at outreach events sponsored by the St. Hope Foundation and other participating organizations. Counselors and health professionals will be on hand.

Terri Thomas, programming director for KBXX-FM 97.9 The Box, said those tested will know their results in 10-20 minutes. The station is co-hosting the concert with Miles' nonprofit TexStars Project Foundation. Thomas said the concert would be "the largest HIV-testing event in the country."

Camille Foster, Miles' legislative director, said the concert would feature Lil' Wayne, Baby, David Banner, UGK, Mista Madd, Skei Atkins, Kelly Rowland, Princess Mafia, and Lil' J Xavier.

People who want to be tested are encouraged to call the testing locations before dropping by. For more information, visit www.texstars.org or www.kbxx.com.

Back to other news for June 2007