Activities of the Centers for Disease Control in AIDS education
Tolsma, D.D.
Journal of School Health 58(4): 133-136
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4391 PMID: 2835553 DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.1988.tb00544.xDocument Number: 359302
The aim of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is to educate individuals about protecting themselves from becoming infected with HIV because there is no vaccine or therapy; this approach can be effective in controlling the epidemic. An estimated 1-1.5 million Americans are infected with HIV; the people are largely asymptomatic. The educational programs are designed to modify behaviors that affect the spread of HIV; namely, sexual intercourse with an infected person, using needles an infected person has used, or having a baby while infected with the virus. Within the Public Health Service, CDC has an AIDS prevention program that includes information and education programs directed toward the general public, school and college-age youth, persons at increased risk for infection, and health workers. 1 group at risk is teenagers because of their behaviors in sexual activity and drug use. Since 1987, the CDC school health program has been carried out by the Office of School Health and Special Projects, Division of Health Education. The program includes working with 15 state and 12 local departments of education in areas with a high cumulative incidence of AIDS. Additionally, national AIDS education training centers have been established to help personnel plan and implement programs; 15 national private section organizations help schools provide effective AIDS education. Educational resources also are developed and disseminated by CDC, such as a computerized bibliography and guidelines for education. National working meetings about AIDS education have been held by CDC for private, local, state, and national departments and organizations.