D.C. youth forum
promotes HIV testing

A forum held Wednesday in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Washington Mystics Foundation and YouthAIDS drew nearly 500 attendees who were encouraged to promote HIV testing among young people, The Washington Post reports.

"We can't tackle this epidemic unless 90% or 100% of people know their status," said forum speaker Mark Dybul, acting U.S. global AIDS coordinator, reports the Post. "It's [also] important to know if you're negative so you can lead a happy, healthy life."

Other speakers included D.C. Administration for HIV Policy and Programs director Marsha Martin, actress Ashley Judd, and musicians Lyfe Jennings and Wynonna Judd. To encourage the forum attendees to be tested for HIV antibodies, Ashley and Wynonna Judd took rapid HIV tests before the audience. (The Advocate)