New HIV prevention materials available to Native Americans

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 27, 2009

The National Native American AIDS Prevention Center has announced the release of new internet resources designed to stem the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS within indigenous youth populations.

The new online resources, titled “HIV Prevention Media, Curricula and Resources for Native Youth,” include curricula for prevention programs, educational DVDs and Power Point presentations. The resources are designed to aid Native American communities to develop their own programs to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS within American Indian populations.

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the third highest HIV/AIDS diagnosis rate in the United States. In addition, statistics show that Natives survive for a shorter amount of time after an AIDS diagnosis than Whites, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders.

“The CDC’s new HIV/AIDS statistics should serve to remind us of the importance of prevention efforts in the Native community,” said Warren Jimenez, former Executive Director of the NNAAPC. “Now is the time to act to help reduce the impact of this disease in our community.”