NPR Program Examines Comic Book That Aims To Increase HIV/AIDS Awareness, Education

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs
Article Date: 19 Jun 2008 - 12:00 PDT

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NPR's "News & Notes" on Monday included a discussion with comic book illustrator Robert Walker, who has written a comic book, titled "O+ Men," that aims to increase HIV/AIDS awareness. HIV-positive characters in the book take an experimental antidote that unexpectedly gives them superpowers, according to NPR.

Walker said he chose to focus on HIV/AIDS because he believes there "should be more of a push" for awareness about the disease following the increasing number of new cases, especially among young people. He added that he "felt it very important to use [his] talents to try to advocate AIDS awareness." The book details how people contract HIV and incorporates "real-life situations" faced by people living with HIV/AIDS, Walker said. The book also addresses HIV prevention.

Walker collaborated with HIV/AIDS specialist Howard Grossens to ensure the information in the book is accurate. In addition, the book includes two pages of HIV/AIDS resources, including telephone hotlines and facilities that provide HIV tests or support groups. Walker said the book is suited for teenagers and could be incorporated into sex education classes and other HIV/AIDS education programs (Chideya, "News & Notes," NPR, 6/16).

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