Alabama Campaign for Adolescent Sexual Health

Black and Latinx communities experience higher rates of HIV. Culturally competent education is part of addressing the disparity.

When young people are met with shame, they shut down. When they’re met with facts, they thrive. One avoids asking questions. The other feels empowered to take charge of their health.

Young people who understand HIV transmission make more informed choices. Facts don't encourage risky behavior.

When a young person asks about HIV, answer honestly and without alarm. How you respond shapes whether they feel safe asking again.

SB209 would restrict what students learn about sexual health & relationships in public schools by forcing abstinence-only instruction and cutting off access to accurate information about contraception and reproductive care. Email your legislator: f.mtr.cool/zrtgxnviyv

HIV testing is routine health care. When young people understand that, getting tested becomes normal. And normal saves lives.

Shame and silence around HIV protect no one. You don't have to be an expert. Just be present and informed.

Many young people have never heard of PrEP. It is a medication that helps prevent HIV before exposure. Youth-serving professionals play an important role in sharing accurate information.

HIV conversations need to cover testing, treatment, prevention, and compassion. All four pieces matter.

HIV spreads through shared needles too, not only sexual contact. Harm reduction education is part of HIV prevention.

When a young person asks about HIV, answer honestly and without alarm. How you respond shapes whether they feel safe asking again.

Okay, youth-serving professionals...don't give up.  Talking about STI prevention with young people can feel heavy before you actually do it. Once you have the language and the confidence, the conversation stops feeling scary.

People living with HIV have healthy, fulfilling relationships and families. Give young people the full picture.

Young people have questions about HIV. Accurate HIV information is a health issue, and professionals who work with young people are in one of the best positions to make sure those conversations happen with facts and without shame.

HIV stigma starts with misinformation. When youth-serving professionals have accurate facts, they stop myths before they spread.

HIV stigma keeps people from getting tested, talking openly, and seeking care. Reducing stigma is prevention.

PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by over 99% when taken as prescribed. Young people need to know this option exists.

Bringing up STI prevention does not have to feel like a lecture. Make it a normal part of the conversation, every time, with every young person:

HIV can affect anyone who is sexually active or shares injection equipment. Comprehensive education reflects that reality.

According to the CDC, young people ages 13–24 account for about 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in the United States. Many do not know their status. Routine testing helps change that.