NCJ Number
220906
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 69 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2007 Pages: 32-34
Date Published
October 2007
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Because the prevalence of HIV infection in incarcerated male populations is estimated to be five times higher than in the general population, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC), in partnership with the Oklahoma State Health Department and community-based organizations, developed the HIV Peer Education Program for Incarcerated People.
Abstract
Inmates eligible to participate in the peer education program must have a high school diploma or GED and volunteer to be a peer educator. Those who complete the program assume the responsibility for recruiting and teaching their peers about eliminating sex and drug behaviors that transmit HIV infection. After inmates successfully complete the college course, for which they receive college credit, they begin offering information to their peers through lectures, group dialog, videos, and peer development manuals. Each facility determines the scope and sequence of HIV information provided by the peer educators. Peer educators network with the National AIDS Fund and AmeriCorps workers in developing health fairs inside prisons. Although the health fairs are not specific to HIV, the comprehensive health information has been appreciated by attending inmates. Lifestyle information focuses on how inmates can prevent disease while incarcerated, which in turn provides a foundation for healthy living after release into the community. Alliances have been established between the peer education program and health, community, and psychosocial providers outside prisons. This helps ensure that additional education literature and support services are provided to offenders in the community upon their release from prison. 9 notes