Alaska Organization Uses Online Social Networking To Spread HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages
The Alaska AIDS Assistance Association http://www.alaskanaids.org/ is utilizing Internet outreach in an effort to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, KTVA.com reports. The project, Power-On Alaska.org http://www.poweronalaska.org/index.php, posts links to the Web site on social networking sites around that state, offering information and assistance online. Alex Barros, a counselor for the association, said that viewers see a profile that says, “I’m your Power-On Alaska health counselor, if you have any questions about your sexual health or you need information or a referral, click here.” A chat window then will open, allowing the user to ask questions and receive responses in real time from Power-On counselors. Barros said the program is designed to reach out to people who need information but might not feel comfortable seeking it. He said that the “idea of the Web is that it gives complete anonymity with a screen name so people ask more intimate questions of our counselors, they’re not embarrassed.” [Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report - Monday, February 23, 2009]

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