Basic HIV/AIDS Program

Prevention Skills
Together, participants in Prevention Skills sessions can learn a variety of ways to protect themselves from HIV-related risks. They use practical, down-to-earth learning techniques, such as role playing, to practice prevention behavior, such as refusing invitations to have sex or use drugs. These group activities are facilitated by trained Red Cross instructors. Among the many activities available, participants may --

• Use short stories about imaginary people to think about possible HIV-related risks connected to having sex, injecting drugs, and having impaired judgment through the use of drugs or alcohol -- and how to avoid these risks.
• Practice resisting pressure to use drugs by trying out various responses to pressure lines.
  "Try it -- just once doesn't make you a drug addict."
  "I'm not into that."
  
• List and discuss the benefits to themselves of deciding to postpone sex or not to use drugs or alcohol.
  
• Role-play how to respond to challenging situations such as negotiating condom use with a partner.
  

Prevention Skills is designed for people aged 17 years and older. Using input from the group, Red Cross-trained instructors customize sessions to meet the needs of young adults or adults, matching the content of activities to participants' experiences.

Looking for other HIV/AIDS prevention education for young people? Check out our Youth HIV/AIDS Programs . And, note that community sessions of our Basic HIV/AIDS Program: Fundamentals can be customized to the needs of people aged 13 and above, including adults.

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