U.S. Supplying Radio, TV Stations With Ads on AIDS

Federal health officials said today they are supplying a series of advertisements on AIDS to about 12,000 radio and television stations throughout the nation.

“Aren’t we over-reacting on AIDS?” Health and Human Services Secretary Otis R. Bowen asks in a new radio spot. “Isn’t it more ‘hype’ than health threat?

“The truth is AIDS is the most serious health threat facing our nation.”

In another of the 11 advertisements being distributed to radio stations, Bowen says, “You can’t get AIDS from a sneeze or an insect bite or a toilet seat.”

The program also includes two 30-second television spots being distributed by the National Assn. of Broadcasters to its 900 member stations.

The radio ads--in 30- and 60-second formats--are being mailed to 11,000 radio stations, including 600 Spanish speaking stations.

All the spots are designed to get people to seek more information on AIDS and urge those interested to call the toll-free AIDS hot line at 1-800-342-AIDS. One of the longer ones suggests that listeners ask for a copy of the surgeon general’s 36-page report on AIDS when they call.

Some of the messages are intended specifically for black and Latino listeners. One says “three out of four heterosexual men and women with AIDS are black or Hispanic.”

Bowen said the announcements aimed at minority populations are especially important because black and Hispanic Americans are carrying “a disproportionate share of the burden of AIDS.”