RESUMO
One-half of all new infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occur in young people under age 25. While many markers for the spread of HIV/AIDS have been declining, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports no similar reduction in newly diagnosed HIV cases among youth. These findings point to the need for greater prevention and education efforts to help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS among the nation's youth. Community HealthCorps members working in community health centers provided HIV/AIDS prevention education to youth as part of their community service work. After HealthCorps members received training in the HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum, Be Proud! Be Responsible!, they recruited young people from their communities to participate in the program. HealthCorps members provided prevention education to students to ensure they acquired basic knowledge about HIV/AIDS on which to base personal decisions and actions. Staff of the Adolescent School Health Initiative of the National Association of Community Health Centers assessed the impact of the education on youth knowledge of HIV/AIDS, understanding of personal risk, their ability to refuse or negotiate safer sex, and proper use of condoms. This article highlights findings and summarizes lessons learned from the prevention education initiative.
