HIV / AIDS, STDs

In western Massachusetts, Springfield and Holyoke have much higher rates of HIV than Massachusetts as a whole. The most common cause of transmission of the virus occurs differently in our region too. HIV in our region is typically spread by sharing dirty needles, and heterosexual sex between two people, one of whom is an injection drug user. HIV is also transmitted between men having sex with other men. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health website includes regional and statewide prevalence data and also sources of support for testing, counseling, and referrals.

Resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website includes a section on evidence-based HIV prevention and intervention approaches.

The Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions (DEBI) is a good source of information for programs that work with people whose behavior puts them at risk for HIV. DEBI is designed to bring science-based, community, group, and individual-level HIV prevention interventions to community-based service providers and state and local health departments. The goal is to enhance the capacity to implement effective interventions at the state and local levels, to reduce the spread of HIV and STDs, and to promote healthy behaviors.


The National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices may be helpful for schools looking for information or curricula on STD and HIV prevention.