The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today announced the launch of a new national HIV awareness program called “Let's Stop HIV Together.” The initiative will combat two critical obstacles to prevention, the CDC says – stigma associated with the disease and complacency about the epidemic.

“Let's Stop HIV Together” will utilize national television, print and radio ads featuring HIV-positive Americans – including “The Voice” star Jamar Rogers, POZ magazine editor Regan Hoffman and HIV advocate Hydeia Broadbent.

Ads will be marketed in 27 cities across the country, the CDC says. The first round of ads began airing in Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City and Washington, D.C., this week.

The campaign is a part of a larger CDC program called “Act Against AIDS” which also includes the "Testing Makes Us Stronger Campaign."

For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov.