Virginia: Music 4 Life Will Include HIV Testing

Virginia Beach residents can receive free, confidential rapid HIV tests on Wednesday, National HIV Testing Day, as well as a good dose of family-friendly entertainment this Friday.

At the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater on Friday, Music 4 Life will feature free rock and roll, R&B, step and fashion shows, and activities for kids. There will be a video montage of documentaries on the amphitheater screen, and new public service announcements will talk about HIV, safer sex practices, and abstinence. City health representatives will offer free, confidential rapid-result HIV testing to attendees. In addition to performing HIV tests on Wednesday at Tidewater Community College-Virginia Beach, the city's Department of Human Services offers testing and information services year-round at its HIV Prevention Unit in Pembroke.

This is the department's eighth year hosting National HIV Testing Day-related events, said Jo Chambers, HIV services coordinator. She hopes Music 4 Life will especially attract people age 24 and younger so they can learn more about HIV and get tested. The campaign provides "an opportunity to dispel myths and stigmas associated with HIV and AIDS," she said.

"Early intervention means a healthier life," Chambers said. Knowing one's HIV status can allow people to protect their partners from infection, too, she said. CDC recommends all people ages 13-64 be tested for HIV, she added.

The Music 4 Life festival and testing is Friday, 3-10 p.m., rain or shine. Musical performers include Rampage, Mermaids in the Basement, Scandalez, Alissa, SpotRaiders, II Face, and That Girl Band. For more information about the city's testing campaign, telephone Chambers at 757-437-6162.

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