Month of July Off to Very Hot Start

As the temperatures across many parts of the country hit triple digits, I was forced to acknowledge that Summer is truly here.  Summer is in full swing and judging by all the various things that have happened thus far,  2012 will definitely be a summer to remember.   

We've received two major HIV related medical approvals from The Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The first happened on Tuesday July 3rd, The Food and Drug Administration approved a home HIV test quick called OraQuick that will be sold in retail stores so people won't have to go to a health facility or mobile testing unit to learn if they have the virus.  The other major HIV related approval the FDA gave was to Gilead Sciences for their drug called Truvada. The pill is to be used as a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) along with regular HIV testing and safe sex.  These two approvals are huge breakthroughs in the world of HIV.

Personal breakthroughs for two very different celebrities were also made this month.  The first involved an email written by CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper.   "The fact is, I'm gay, always have been, always will be, and I couldn’t be any more happy, comfortable with myself, and proud," he wrote. Approximately a week later Hip-Hop star Frank Ocean posted an open letter on his Tumblr account that mentioned that his first love was a man.    These two high profile individuals' coming out will bring a greater awareness to LGBTQ visibility and might very well have a tremendously positive impact on the lives of LGBTQ young people.  

Not to be outdone by national headlines, C2PLA also had some very exciting happenings this month.    The coalition has been asked to present at the August Los Angeles County Prevention Planning Committee.  We've also voted in a new co-chair, Sofia Smith LifeWorks Program Coordinator.  She'll helm her first C2PLA meeting August 24th.  Please join me in welcoming her.

So as you try your best to stay cool during this hot month of July remember to take a second to enjoy the summer heat, because before you know it Winter will be here.

Regards,

Milton Smith 
C2PLA Project Director