Leading LGBT magazine of South Florida

The Osito Foundation launches an HIV Education Awareness Campaign based upon personal responsibility
A recent CDC study* in 21 major U.S. cities showed, 1 in 5 men who have sex with men (MSM) have HIV and nearly half were unaware of being infected.

HIV continues to take a heavy toll on MSM in major cities throughout United States. “Our philosophy on reducing the number of new HIV infections is personal responsibility. If you are sexually active knowing your status is imperative. If you are negative, educate yourself on how not to contract HIV and if you’re positive, be responsible and learn how not to spread the virus,” said Bill Williams, Director of The Osito Foundation.

The Osito Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its first website on HIV Awareness, Education, and Prevention; www.StoppingHIV.com is a short and straight forward website designed to communicate the message that every individual has to take personal responsibility in stopping the spread of HIV. The purpose of this website is to encourage people to make a personal commitment and to sign the online pledge. Rod Castle, CEO of The Osito Foundation believes, “HIV is 100% preventable, and new infections could almost be eradicated overnight if every sexually active person would live by our motto: I’m not going to GET IT ~ I’m not going to GIVE IT”.

“Our organization is planning a Community HIV Education and Prevention Initiative Project consisting of hosting events in twenty plus cities in the United States with the highest HIV infections rate, with the goal of reducing new HIV infections by educating the public on the reality of HIV and how to effectively stop the spread of HIV. This collaboration will include Local Health Departments, Colleges & Universities, AIDS Organizations, National & Regional Corporations, local Business Owners and volunteers,” Carlos A. Obando, Vice President, The Osito Foundation.