Course Description:

This course is based upon a paper published by the National Library of Medicine. It provides a basic overview of the origin of HIV/AIDS and the transmission and progression of the disease. The second part of the chapter presents a summary of epidemiological data from the CDC. This second part discusses the impact of HIV/AIDS in regions of the United States and the populations that are at the greatest risk of contracting HIV. This course will provide the practioner with an overview of the history, epidemiology, risk factors and current status of the pandemic of HIV and AIDS in the US.

Psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and marriage and family therapists can benefit from this course. This course may also be helpful for other clinical practitioners such as midwives, dieticians and nutritionists who work with clients who may be at risk for HIV and or AIDS.  This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who need an introductory course on HIV/AIDS.

Author: The National Library of Medicine – data from the Centers for Disease Control

Learning Objectives:  This course will provide a professional with an overview of HIV and AIDS in terms of the origin, transmission and progression of the disease. Specifically, a professional will:

• Demonstrate knowledge regarding the history of HIV infection and origin in the US.
• Distinguish between the modes of transmission and their risk, and identify populations at greatest risk of contracting HIV.
• Demonstrate knowledge regarding current status of the pandemic of HIV and AIDS in the US.

Citation: AHCPR Archived reports, Put Prevention Into Practice and Minnesota Health Technology Advisory Committee, SAMHSA/CSAT Treatment Improvement Protocols, 37. TIP 37: Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons with HIV/AIDS