WISH LIST $100: after-school health education supplies for 15 elementary school children; $500: three nights of street outreach and HIV testing; $1000: 5 months of counseling and transportation to medical services for an HIV-positive youth

Recently, DC's buses and metros bore yellow posters with the legend "Now that I Know...." The posters were part of Metro TeenAIDS' highly successful campaign urging teens to get tested for HIV. Founded in 1988 by a group of physicians, MTA gets the word out about testing, prevention, and treatment, especially among low-income and minority youth. In addition to public education campaigns the program operates an after school drop-in center where teens both have fun and learn about protecting themselves. Testing and counseling are also available at two other sites and through a Friday night van that reaches youth on the streets between 10pm and 2am. This year MTA expects to reach all DC 10th graders with HIV prevention education. Its new program, the Family Center, helps teens cope with their loved ones' HIV/AIDS and aids families as they struggle to manage the disease. MTA organizes local service providers and youth to reach gay and transgender minority youth, and works to find infected teens not yet being treated. This organization is both designed for young people and led by young people: a youth advisory Committee helps oversee and approve all programs, and a StreeTeam of high school students seeks out young people whom adults just can't reach. DC currently has one of the highest AIDS rates in the country. While as many as 1,500 youth may be infected, only 100-150 receive medical care for HIV. Your help means knowledge--and knowledge saves lives.

Adam Tenner, Executive Director 651 Pennsylvania Avenue SE Washington, DC 20003 202-543-9355 www.metroteenaids.org