Interactive Online Program Launched to Educate People with HIV/AIDS

Peer-Based Education at www.aidschicago.org/community
Geared Especially for Those Newly Diagnosed with HIV

CHICAGO- Two Chicago-area AIDS organizations launched today an innovative, online educational portal designed specifically for people living with HIV/AIDS.

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) joined forces to create PEERSpeak, an interactive program that provides effective HIV/AIDS education through the voices of people living with HIV. Funded by the National Library of Medicine, the multi-media educational program is especially geared toward people newly diagnosed with HIV as well as agency staff new to the field.

“Too often HIV/AIDS information is presented online in dry, technical language that fails to resonate with the learner,” said AFC Vice President David Ernesto Munar.

“PEERSpeak offers accurate, up-to-date HIV information through the empathetic voice of others living with HIV/AIDS. This is not a lecture; it’s a conversation between peers,” said Matt Sharp, Director of Treatment Education at TPAN.

With pro bono support generously provided by NogginLabs, PEERSpeak utilizes colorful graphics and character-based audio to guide users through five self-care modules, developed primarily by HIV-positive people who are successfully navigating their own HIV diagnosis and treatment.

Users are placed in the role of various HIV/AIDS service providers and follow the fictional “peer” characters through key moments in their treatment- including an initial doctor’s visit, a meeting with a case manager, and beginning their HIV treatment.

The modules cover topics such as finding the right doctor, treatment options and tips, healthy living, the importance of social support, and mental health issues.

“By actively engaging in the care and treatment of another person living with HIV, users are forced to think critically, which increases the amount of information they retain, and enhances their learning experience,” said Rev. Doris Green, AFC’s Director of Community Affairs.

The multi-format presentation also allows individuals with low literacy skills and cognitive disabilities to use the modules for self-education and service referrals.

“The beauty of PEERSpeak is that it’s anonymous, user-friendly, and available to anyone with computer access,” said Sharp.

PEERSpeak is also designed to help service providers improve their skills assisting people with HIV/AIDS. AFC already plans to use the “Navigating the System” and “Treating HIV” modules as training tools for case managers.

PEERSpeak will be hosted at the AIDS Community Website. The modules can be accessed at www.aidschicago.org/community.

Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a local and national leader in the fight against AIDS. AFC collaborates with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; funds and coordinates prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champions effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy.

Test Positive Aware Network empowers people living with HIV through peer-led programming, support services, information dissemination, and advocacy. They also provide services to the broader community to increase HIV knowledge and sensitivity, and to reduce the risk of infection.

NogginLabs produces creative, performance-based, custom e-learning solutions for major corporations, universities, and nonprofit organizations. Whether it’s corporate training, patient awareness, or customer education, NogginLabs courses stimulate, teach, and entertain by actively engaging the learner.

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