The HIV Prevention Counseling series is comprised of two workshops. HIV Prevention Counseling: THE FACTS course includes the Virginia statutes relating to HIV testing and counseling, risk assessment and reduction, and partner notification information. This course is a prerequisite for the provides basic information related to progression of disease, legal issues, and risk assessment. HIV Counseling: THE APPROACH provides guidelines and opportunities to role play prevention counseling. This course was designed for persons with a working knowledge of HIV and AIDS who provide testing and counseling for the HIV antibody or other sexually transmitted diseases. Upon completion of the series, participants will be able to conduct HIV Prevention Counseling.

Course Description

HIV Prevention Counseling: THE FACTS

Upon completion of this program, participants should be able to:

1. Discuss the spectrum of HIV disease
2. Discuss HIV antibody testing, including legal implications, process of testing, and meaning of results
3. Discuss the process of HIV partner notification in the Commonwealth of Virginia
4. Assess a client's personal risk reduction plan
5. Understand the possible implications of HIV infection in a person's life

HIV Prevention Counseling: THE APPROACH

Upon completion of this program, participants should be able to:

1. Help a client to improve his/her self perception of risk
2. Support behavior changes the client has already attempted
3. Negotiate a realistic and incremental plan for the client to reduce his/her risk
4. Support the client in making a decision about testing and preparing for the result
5. Help the client who tests HIV+ to begin to integrate their newly identified HIV status emotionally, behaviorally, and socially

Course Schedule

THE FACTS (Level 1) This course is held in conjunction with the Orientation and Overview course on the 4th Friday of most every month.

THE APPROACH (Level 2) To qualify you must have attended the HIV Prevention Counseling: The Facts course. Participants should have sound basic HIV/AIDS knowledge. This course is intended for staff members who provide HIV/AIDS prevention counseling. This course is held during a two-day period each quarter at the AIDS Resource Center and by special arrangement for community-based organizations throughout Hampton Roads.