While controversy surrounds sexuality education programs for youth, research shows

that those who receive comprehensive education are 50% less likely to acquire HIV and other Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) or become pregnant than those who only receive messages of abstinence-only.  And the need to protect our Northwest Ohio youth is critical.

Within the state of Ohio, Lucas County has the highest rates of new HIV infections and of pregnancies for youth ages 13-24.   And youth who are Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/ Questioning (LGBTQ) are at especially high risk.  More than 75% of all new HIV infections within this age range are among gay, bisexual and/or questioning males.  Additionally, fueled by societal stigma and homophobia, up to 50% of gay youth have attempted suicide - further demonstrating the need for social groups and resources.

Our education program is based on CDC and other evidence-based programs.  The Protecting Our Youth program (POY) is an outcomes-based prevention initiative providing comprehensive HIV/AIDS and STI education to at-risk youth aged 12-24. The program addresses knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, which directly affect the transmission of HIV.  It is the goal of the POY program to serve “higher risk” clients.  To that end, Protecting Our Youth provides education for area schools, churches, community agencies, and the Lucas Co. Juvenile Detention Center.

Additionally, an eight session program is available for on LGBTQ youth called Get With The Program.

Get With The Program goals include:

* Increased knowledge among participants about HIV, AIDS and other STIs.
* Adoption of belief in the value of safer sex, including abstinence.
* Reduction of risky behaviors.
* Demonstrated skills in assertive communication, refusal, information provision, self-management, problem solving.
* Pride in choosing responsible behaviors.
* Find us on Facebook!  www.facebook.com/GetWithTheProgramOhio

For more information about Protecting Our Youth or to schedule a general education session for young people at your school, community organization or church, please contact Marcela Potteiger at (419) 241-9444 ext. 406 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .