AIDS is still the sixth leading cause of death among people 15-24.

In 1995 there were 405 reported AIDS cases among adolescents 13-19 and 2,432 cases among adolescents aged 20 to 24.

Sexual contact, (either male-to-male, or heterosexual) accounted for 37% of reported AIDS cases in 1995 among adolescents 13 to 19 years old. In adolescents age 20 to 24, sexual contact, (either male-to-male or heterosexual) accounted for 65% of the cases in 1995.

The percentage of adolescents reporting condom use at their most recent sexual intercourse increased from 46% in 1991 to 54% in 1995.

The average age of first sexual experience among U.S. Adolescents is 16 and approximately three-fourths of high school students have had sexual intercourse by the twelfth grade.

1 in 62 high school students in a CDC study reported having injected an illegal drug.

Every year approximately 3 million American teenagers contract a sexually transmitted disease (STD). STD's facilitate the transmission of HIV.

Studies published in 1994, and 1995 revealed that in New York, Pitsburgh, and San Frnacisco, 9%, 7%, and 9% respectivley of males who have sex with males 13 to 25 were HIV positive. These rates are 20 times greater than the estimated rate among overall population, (.4%)

The HIV / AIDS epidemic has affected everyone throughout the nation, but young people in particular, are increasingly at risk for HIV infection. Since the median incubation period between HIV infection, and AIDS diagnosis is about 10 years, it is clear that many people who were diagnosed with AIDS in their 20's became infected as teenagers.

Often adults worry that promoting safer sexual activity encourages promiscuity. In fact several studies have show that levels of sexual activity among young adults decreased or remained the same after sex education programs which included information about condoms.

It is imperitive that we educate young people about the HIV / AIDS pandemic and how to protect themselves from infection. We must help adolescents understand the causes of HIV / AIDS, identify risky behaviors, enhance decision making skills, and alleviate their fears through the acquisition of knowledge.

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