Program Description
The “Healthy Life Choices” project goal was to increase HIV prevention knowledge and reduce risk of contracting HIV among young Latinas at Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI's) in the state of New Jersey. A peer education approach interwoven with theater/vignettes was used as a tool for prevention. Once capacity building efforts have been completed in the state of New Jersey NLHN will focus efforts in other US Hispanic markets.

Participating Agencies
1. William Paterson University (WPU)
2. Passaic Community College (PCC)

Outcomes
Twenty peer educators were trained, 30 collaborative partners recruited and 2,500 college students reached at both institutions. Currently, WPU has institutionalized the peer education model program as part of all freshmen orientations on campus and has expanded its focus to diversity, peer pressure, drug use, sexuality and stereotypes.

Disclaimer: Since HIV is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages on this site may address these topics. HIV prevention materials funded by CDC must be approved by local program review panels, however, the materials may be considered controversial by some viewers.