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HIV & AIDS Education

Training for Managers, Supervisors and Labor Leaders

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) affects every segment of global society: the home, the school, the religious institution, and the workplace. The potential worldwide impact of the worst-case scenario could equal 1.4 percent of the gross domestic product annually.

Prevention education can make a difference, and business and labor can provide powerful and effective leadership. The CDC, through the BRTA Program, helps businesses across the country design and implement workplace-based HIV and AIDS policies and implement education programs for employees, their families and the community.

Whether you employ 30 people or 3,000 people, you will soon encounter HIV or AIDS at your workplace or in your community, if you haven't already. Chances are that the disease will affect an employee or an employee's family member. Your company should prepare to address this issue.

Employers need to know the applicable laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The act includes protection for people with HIV or AIDS, or those perceived as having HIV or AIDS, from discrimination in employment practices. The act also prohibits discrimination by private entities that serve the public. HIV/AIDS policies and education for the workplace can help to prevent such discrimination through education.

How would your Business Respond to the Issue?



Think about how your business would address the issue. Do you have an HIV policy? Is it implemented? Are your employees afraid of contracting HIV from a co-worker, customer or client? Do you understand the legal issues surrounding the disease? Do you offer education or assistance programs that address HIV and AIDS issues?

Businesses of all sizes are answering these questions in a sensitive, cost-effective, and productive manner. Already, nearly half of American worksites have implemented policies that cover HIV/AIDS, according to a recent benchmark study by the CDC.

Plan your program today



Design policies and implement workplace programs before your company is directly confronted by the issue. Then, you can:

  • help prevent the spread of HIV infection among your employees and their families and within your community
  • plan for reasonable accommodations as you would for other persons with disabilities
  • reduce employee fear, work disruption and customer concern
  • demonstrate your company's responsiveness and compassion
  • meet national and State antidiscrimination requirements as mandated in the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and State and local statutes
  • where applicable, address the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard in your policy, mandating the use of infection-control procedures and the establishment of written exposure-control plans to protect workers
  • be a leader in developing your community's response to the disease

As a business leader, you can make a difference by responding to HIV infection and AIDS in your workplace, your community and the nation.

Learn more about establishing a workplace policy that defines your company's response to HIV and AIDS.