Mentoring at Risk Youths in Racine, Wisconsin: Counseling, tutoring, job training, and apprenticeship programs

Why We Should Care About AIDS in the United States In the United States, over 850,000 adults and children are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS. One in three of those infected with HIV do not know they are infected Among all AIDS cases to date, 82% occurred in men; 18% in women and less than 1% in children. Despite declines in new AIDS cases, the rate of new HIV infections remains high, impacting people across all ages, races, sexual orientations and socio-economic levels. 40,000 new HIV infections were reported in 1999. AIDS is now the fifth leading cause of death for people 25 to 44 years of age, and 50% of all new infections are among young people under age 25. During the 1990’s the epidemic shifted steadily toward a growing proportion of cases among African Americans, Hispanics and women. AIDS due to heterosexual contact is steadily increasing, representing 15% of new cases in 1999.

Are you at risk? Have you shared needles or syringes to inject drugs or steroids? If you are a male, have you had unprotected sex with other males? Have you had unprotected sex with someone who you know or suspect was infected with HIV? Have you had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)? Have you received a blood transfusion or clotting factor between 1978 and 1985? Have you had unprotected sex with someone who would answer yes to any of the above questions?

Basic Facts about HIV and AIDS
What are HIV and AIDS? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that weakens the body’s defense (immune) system until it can no longer fight off illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancerous tumors and others. HIV kills the CD4 (T cells), which direct the body’s immune system to defend against infection.

A person is considered to have AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) when the immune system is seriously damaged by HIV.

Is there a cure for HIV or AIDS?
There is still no cure or vaccine for HIV or AIDS. There are new drug treatments that can help many people with HIV stay healthy longer can delay the onset of AIDS

How might I become infected with HIV?
HIV is transmitted from an HIV-positive person through infected body fluids, such as semen, pre-ejaculate fluid, blood, vaginal secretions or breast milk. HIV can also be transmitted through needles contaminated with HIV-infected blood, including needles used for injecting drugs, tattooing or body piercing. HIV is most often transmitted sexually.

How to prevent HIV infection
Abstinence is the safest way to be sure you will not be infected with HIV or any other sexually-transmitted disease (STD). Living in a committed, monogamous relationship with a person who is free from HIV or any other STD is safe, if you have a mutual agreement to refrain from any high-risk behaviors. Do not have sex with anyone whose health status you do not know. If you have sex, use a new latex condom or other latex barrier every time. With condoms, use a water-based lubricant. Do not use baby oil or other oil-based lubricants. These may cause the condom to be ineffective. Do not share sex toys. Do not share needles or other drug supplies.

HIV Counseling and Testing
There are two ways to be tested for HIV/AIDS. It is important to know these how testing centers will protect your test results.

Confidential Testing:
The confidential testing site records your name with the test result. Your record will be kept secret from everyone except medical personnel or the state health department.

Anonymous Testing:
No one asks your name. You are the only one who can tell anyone else your result.

To be tested for HIV/AIDS, ask your doctor, public health department or local Counseling and Testing site (CTS). HIV/AIDS Antibody Testing is Free and Confidential/Anonymous. Call OIC of Racine County or Racine Health Department 262-636-9488

National HIV Testing Day June 27, 2001