A new statewide campaign aims to prevent the spread of HIV and reduce the stigma associated with the virus.

“Hi, my name is Brian, I’m 30 years old. I’m from Rochester, New York and I’m HIV undetectable,” says Brian Bartlett in one of the social media ads.

Bartlett acquired HIV from a sexual assault in 2010. He wouldn’t be diagnosed until four years later.

“Within that 4-year time frame there was a downward spiral of depression, anxiety and severe weight gain from binge eating. I just fell of the rails in life,” Bartlett told 13WHAM.

He says he initially felt fear and shame, but eventually decided to go public with his status.

“This isn’t something that necessarily defines me, but it also is something that I’m hiding from the world that I really shouldn’t have to have any shame about,” said Bartlett.

Now, he’s part of the “HIV stops with me” campaign along with about two dozen other New Yorkers.

“Being undetectable means the virus in me is suppressed by the medication that I take,” Bartlett explains in one ad.

The campaign features social media ads and billboards aimed at stopping the spread and reducing the stigma that still exists. Bartlett says he received incredible support when he opened up about his status, but it’s not the same for everyone.

“There are still communities that are being ravaged by the virus and by the stigma. They need to be talked to, they need to be supported, they need to be connected to and loved in the same way that I have been” he said.

He hopes he can be a lesson about what it means to live with HIV and that his message can help others.

“This platform came to me as an opportunity both as a personal victory for myself and a victory for those that need it,” said Barlett.

—- 13 WHAM