San Francisco Program Gives ‘Special Offers’ to Those Who Test for HIV, Sexually Transmitted Diseases

San Francisco has launched an initiative to help persuade its residents -- particularly gay men -- to be tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, the Washington Post reports. Through the initiative, residents who show up for free screenings will receive discounts and "special offers" at area businesses. City health officials say too many San Francisco residents at risk of contracting the virus "have become too sanguine about it," engaging in risky sexual behavior and relying on the effectiveness of treatments. "I don't know how effective this will be. But we've got to get people's attention or things could get terrible again," Larry Hanbrook, a city health worker and leader of a gay community group in San Francisco, said (Sanchez, Washington Post, 5/12). The full article is available online.