2.0 SCHOOL AND COLLEGE AGED POPULATIONS

The Public Health Service has a responsibility to provide clear and accurate information about AIDS to all segments of our society. In particular, our youth must understand that sexual activity and IV drug abuse can lead to AIDS. Engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners, both heterosexual and homosexual, increases the probability of contracting AIDS. In the United States, to date, homosexual practices and IV drug abuse have been the main routes for spread of AIDS. Clearly, our youth must have information about the disease, how the AIDS virus is transmitted, and how to prevent infection with this virus.

The Public Health Service will provide national, State, and local educators with up-to-date, factual AIDS information. State and local school boards, along with families, community, and parent groups have the primary responsibility for educating the young. It is for these groups to determine how best to disseminate this information in the most effective fashion, with consideration of their own values and concerns, to achieve the goal of preventing AIDS among our youth.