"Noting that the District is the "epicenter" of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation opened a free treatment clinic Thursday in the 2100 block of K Street, at the gateway to Georgetown.

The city's infection rate, 3 percent, is the nation's worst, according to a study this year by its HIV/AIDS Administration. And the foundation, which calls itself the country's largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS health-care provider, came to the District because of its status as the "epicenter" of the disease, said its director, Michael Weinstein [...] its infection rate is higher than that of Lagos, Nigeria.

Underwood, who is widely known in the black community, said he lent star power to the clinic to draw clients. On a billboard promoting AIDS awareness in Los Angeles, where the foundation is headquartered, Underwood implores viewers to "Man Up" and get tested for free.

"I need to talk to those men who are out there dating women who think this doesn't concern them," Underwood said. "It does."

Underwood's participation is a key to the clinic's success, Weinstein said. "There are not that many people of his stature who are willing to put their face out there and their name out there for this issue," he said.

Lewis said he supported the clinic's opening because "we must find a way to say to all our citizens, especially our young people . . . that we must do what we can to control the spread of this disease." (Source: Washington Post)

The Hollywood actor attended the opening of the clinic last week. The center's official name is the AHF Blair Underwood Healthcare Center. Major kudos to Mr. Underwood. You know we at MDM are fans of celebrities using their star power to support good causes.

According to Poz.com:

As part of his Rocawear clothing line, rap superstar Jay-Z has designed a T-shirt featuring late HIV-positive tennis great Arthur Ashe, to be sold for charity at the U.S. Open, The Associated Press (AP) reports.

The shirt commemorates the 40th anniversary of the USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network, which Ashe founded in 1969. Proceeds from sales of the shirt will benefit the NJTL as well as the Arthur Ashe Endowment for the Defeat of AIDS.

Ashe’s widow, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, told the AP she is “thrilled that someone of Jay-Z’s stature would take part in this project.”

Ashe will be inducted in the U.S. Open Court of Champions on September 10. The U.S. Open takes place in New York City until September 13.

Major kudos to Jay-Z. It's always good to see celebrities supporting a good cause. Jay-Z will also be performing a charity concert on September 11th at New York's Madison Square Garden. All proceeds from both ticket sales and merchandise will be donated to the NY Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund.