At-Risk Youth Prevention Education Initiative

This project will expand services to youth residing in Columbia, Essex, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties. Awareness will be developed through an intensive media campaign. Youth targeted will receive HIV and STD education messages and will learn where to go for confidential support, HIV testing and STD screening. Components of the campaign will include advertisements in media catering to the target population, such as billboards, print media, radio, bus ads and community outreach.

As youth become knowledgeable of the website for HIV/STDs and are exposed to media messages about the importance of safer sex practices, being tested and making informed decisions to remain abstinent, it is the goal of the AIDS Council that the risk of HIV and STDs will decrease. Near the end of this project, the AIDS Council will host an open house, inviting community and various other representatives to see the media campaign developed and learn about the impact of the project on the target youth population. NCA/NCF