Are you a black gay man living anywhere near Atlanta, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Washington DC? Did you know that whilst black men only make up 6% of the population, they account for 25% of new cases of HIV each year? Would you like to play a part in something that will act to reduce that rate?

The HPTN 061 Research Project is aiming to do just that, by looking at whether all or any of the three following strategies help to bring those numbers down:

• Working with a peer health counselor – someone who is specially trained to help men access health care services and treatment.
• Offering testing, counseling and referrals for treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Encouraging men who join the research project to refer their Black male sexual partners to participate in the project.

And they need you to help them do just that.

If you are interested in taking part then you need to meet the following criteria :

1. Be a black man who has sex with other men
2. Are 18 years or old
3. Live in one of the six cities where research is being conducted

What doesn’t matter though is if you are HIV positive, HIV negative or just unaware of your status.

By taking part in this study you will be helping make sure that the future sees HIV numbers in black men fall and not rise, and you don’t need to worry about it leaving you out of pocket as you will be reimbursed for both your time and transportation.

You can find out more and apply to take part at the Black Men Stand Together website.