The views and opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the NEA Health Information Network. While the information contained in this handbook is factual and was reviewed for technical accuracy by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the content may be considered unsuitable for some school-aged populations. All readers should remember that this handbook is written primarily for NEA members and staff, and that the specific content of any youth-oriented HIV education program should be determined according to the values and norms of each community. NEA members must provide important leadership in ensuring the development of effective, skill-based HIV prevention education programs in every school and community.

The NEA Health Information Network brings together the NEA, the U.S. Public Health Service, the National Association of School Nurses, and the American Academy of Pediatrics in an ongoing effort to provide school employees the facts they need to help students and their communities understand, avoid, or modify the behaviors that place young people at risk for disease and injury.

"Responding to HIV and AIDS" is a special publication from the NEA Health Information Network. It is the second handbook developed for the National Education Association concerning the HIV pandemic. In September, 1987, this handbook's predecessor, "The Facts About AIDS," was mailed to every NEA member as an insert in NEA Today. While transmission, prevention, and resource information presented in this handbook have been updated as of May 1996, some numbers and terms used still reflect the knowledge and language at the time of its second revision and printing in 1993. For more up-to-date statistics contact the National AIDS Hotline (800) 342-AIDS or the National AIDS Clearinghouse (800) 458-5231.