5156.0: Wednesday, October 24, 2001 - 2:30 PM

Abstract #31277

Sexual Health: Umbrella for HIV & STD Prevention Collaboration

Margaret Anne Anderson, AED CCHS, AED Center for Community-Based Health Strategies, 1825 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009, 2092-884-8561, manderso@aed.org

Sexual health can provide a framework for HIV and STD integration and collaboration in the US. America's discomfort with sexuality has increasingly negative consequences. These affect both HIV and STD prevention programs and interventions.

In an Institute of Medicine Report on STDs and sexual health, titled "The Hidden Epidemic", several areas were raised that need attention. These areas included: the fragmentation of efforts around the country, specifically the lack of coordination of local and national programs; the fact that a narrow focus on disease fails to address many underlying issues, such as poor communication among partners; and, the absence of an obvious constituency to move an agenda. This session will address current efforts underway in the US to create a sexual health agenda setting process, resources available that address sexual health, and mechanisms for community involvement in STD & HIV prevention and sexual health.

Learning Objectives: 1.) Describe what is encompassed in sexual heatlh 2.) Describe how sexual health can provide a framework for HIV&STD integration.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Sexuality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA