Archived Release: July 2005

Being Alive Launches “Get Off Now” Crystal Meth & HIV/AIDS Project

Being Alive, a membership organization of people living with HIV/AIDS, is launching its GET OFF NOW campaign to address the links between the increase in crystal methamphetamine (“speed”) use and the increase in local HIV infections. The campaign is a social marketing and education project that launches in June 2005.

”This kind of a campaign is long overdue in the community. Our ‘Get Off Now’ messages link a sex-positive message with the importance of stopping crystal meth. We hope that our peers who are using crystal meth will call us to get tips on HIV disclosure, safer sex, and recovery. We hope this campaign will mark the beginning of a cultural shift in the acceptability of crystal meth use and show us all that HIV infections can decrease as a result,” says Demetri Moshoyannis, Executive Director.

"The incredible increase of crystal meth use in the gay male community is fueling the spread of HIV disease," says Being Alive Board President Howard Jacobs. "Our expanded HIV prevention efforts for people living with HIV seek to weaken this clear link between crystal meth and HIV infection. We hope people will utilize practical skills and help empower themselves to reduce the numbers of new infections."

To view our Special Projects page with additional information on Get Off Now use the link above or click here.

For more information about the project or to get involved, contact Being Alive Prevention Manager Charles Karsters at 310.289.2551, ext. 17, or click here to email us.