HIV Prevention in Schools: A Tool Kit for Education Leaders

Introduction

Since 1987, the National Association of State Boards of Education and the National School boards Association have been working with education policymakers to strengthen the role of schools in the prevention of HIV infection. Much progress has been made. The proof is in the overall increase in the numbers of students who have received HIV prevention education, the
increase in the number of youth who are delaying sexual activity, and the decrease in the number of partners of those who are still engaging in intercourse.

Sadly, the most current data continues to tell us that 25% of all new HIV infections occur among 13-to-21 year olds. Equally alarming is the fact that youth from communities of color are disproportionately impacted by the HIV epidemic. It is obvious that we must strengthen the capacity of schools to stop the spread of HIV among young people. With this goal in mind, NASBE and NSBA have partnered with the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop a tool kit to assist state and local board of education members in their leadership efforts to help prevent the spread of HIV infection among young people, particularly among youth from communities of color.

We are pleased to send you the enclosed tool kit, which contains a wide range of useful information. We hope that you find the enclosed materials valuable to your leadership role as an educator and as a community member. If you have any questions about these materials and the issues related to mY/AlliS and the schools, please contact NASBE (703-684-4000) or Brenda Z. Greene at NSBA (703-838-6756).

Click the following link to download the HIV Tool Kit as a PDF: