California HIV/AIDS Group Launches Internet-Based Program Aimed at MSM

The Palm Springs, Calif.-based Desert AIDS Project has launched an Internet-based education and prevention program aimed at men who have sex with men, the Desert Sun reports. The program was launched ahead of the area's White Party Easter weekend, according to the Sun. "With the White Party literally in our backyard, we feel a responsibility each year to get out the message about safer sex while not throwing the proverbial wet blanket on the fun people are here for," David Brinkman, AIDS Project executive director, said.

The program, called "I-Connect," allows project staff to distribute information about safer sex, HIV testing, mental health and substance abuse counseling on several Web sites, according to a release. In addition, some staff plan to be in the lobby of the host hotel for the White Party throughout the weekend, according to Brinkman. The AIDS Project aims to reach about 3,000 people during the program's first year. MSM are the primary attendees of the White Party, and Palm Springs has one of the largest MSM populations per capita in the U.S., according to the Sun (Brambila, Desert Sun, 4/3).