HIV/AIDS Prevention Resources - State Government

The Department for Public Health Targeted HIV Prevention Program was launched in 1992 and receives state funding to help serve HIV high-risk populations. Health departments identify needs and people not receiving prevention interventions through CDC-funded programs. Five local health departments throughout the state participate in this program: Barren River, Lexington/Fayette County, Louisville Metro, Northern Kentucky and Purchase Area.

The department's Core Health Education and Prevention Initiatives Program provides basic HIV/AIDS information and materials through most local health departments in the state. Programs are available to the public, health care professionals and public and private schools and organizations.

HIV/AIDS Professional Education - Kentucky review/approval process for continuing education for health professionals reviews and approves or rejects all proposed courses for individuals, health care providers, health education providers, etc., for eligibility and appropriateness as professional continuing education units. State law requires course content including epidemiology, transmission, medical treatment, legal and appropriate attitudes and behaviors.

The DPH HIV Care Coordinator Program coordinates services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Care coordinators provide information and assistance with transmission prevention, including safer sex and condom distribution.

Local health departments provide on-site counseling and testing, condom distribution and health care worker education. Partner notification is also provided at the request and with the consent of infected clients. Court-ordered testing and court-mandated risk reduction programs are provided.

Many health departments (particularly those receiving Targeted HIV Prevention Program funds) employ health educators to provide street, group and community outreach and one-to-one counseling. Funding is provided by federal state and local sources. Counseling and testing are provided by state-certified social workers or nurses. Referrals and connections are provided to service and care services including the Care Coordinator Program and local resources where available.

Maternal Child Health provides a variety of programs and services including Reducing The Risk (RTR) and condom distribution, literature  and Prenatal 076 Protocol through local health departments. 

Kentucky Department of Education (KDE)
The 1990, the Kentucky Education Reform Act greatly expanded local curricula choices as well as state-required education content. Among mandated course content are communicable diseases, communication strategies, peer pressure, decision-making and abstinence. KDE provides professional development and technical assistance regarding evidence-based curricula. Some programs chosen by local districts to provide this content include Reducing the Risk, Making Proud Choices, Making A Difference and Postponing Sexual Involvement). The state departments of education and health, Parent Teacher Association, State Substance Abuse Program and other prevention providers co-sponsor training programs for peers and others providing prevention education in and out of school. Training also is available for people in alternative living settings such as faith-based organizations and juvenile justice facilities.

KDE also funds and coordinates the Kentucky AIDS Prevention Education Technical Review Committee, which is responsible for reviewing educational materials including curricula, reference books, magazines and videos.

The Kentucky Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation (Division of substance Abuse) provides drug prevention education in Kentucky schools and provides funding to treatment facilities.

Jefferson County Corrections operates four county facilities housing criminal offenders. Programs provided include one-on-one and group drug rehabilitation counseling, free literature and free and confidential counseling services.   

Lexington-Fayette County Detention Center operates one facility  and provides weekly on-site HIV counseling and testing in coordination with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department

Life Line Recovery is a drug/alcohol rehabilitation program for male inmates in Louisville. Services include free literature, group counseling, safer drug use education, AIDS 101 and safer sex instruction.

The Federal Medical Center in Lexington provides medical treatment and educational programs to staff and inmates. Referrals and connections are provided to local service providers including the University of Kentucky Medical Center, community-based organizations and the American Red Cross. The Lexington‑Fayette County Health Department provides counseling and testing at the facility.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services contracts with several HIV prevention providers:

East Region

West Region

North Central Region