    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
    [December 1, 1997]
    [Pages 1678-1679]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Integration of HIV Prevention in Federal Programs Serving
    Youth
    December 1, 1997

    Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

    Subject: Integration of HIV Prevention in Federal Programs Serving Youth

        Adolescence marks a major rite of passage, a transition from
    childhood to adulthood. It is a period of significant physical, social,
    and intellectual growth and change. It is also a period of
    experimentation and risk-taking. The choices that young people make
    during these years profoundly affect their chances of becoming healthy,
    responsible, and productive adults.
        Unfortunately, too many young people lack the support and self-
    esteem needed to make sound decisions, and end up putting their lives
    and their futures at risk. Today, it is estimated that one-quarter of
    all new HIV infections in the United States occur in young people
    between the ages of 13 and 21. This means that two Americans under the
    age of 21 become infected with HIV every hour of every day. The Centers
    for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in some communities as
    many as one in thirty 18- and 19-year olds may be HIV-positive.
        For young people who become infected, there are promising new
    treatments available to help them live longer and more productive lives.
    Yet these treatments only forestall the progression of the disease; they
    do not constitute a cure. In fact, AIDS is the sixth leading cause of
    death among young people 15-24 years old (and the leading cause of death
    among African Americans of the same age group). The loss of so many
    young Americans to this terrible epidemic is a threat to this Nation and
    should serve as a call to action.
        My Administration is firmly committed to doing everything within its
    power to end the AIDS epidemic. That includes finding a cure for those
    already infected as well as a vaccine to keep others from developing the
    disease. This commitment also includes reaching out in new ways to
    enable young people to protect themselves from acquiring or spreading
    HIV infection.
        Accordingly, I hereby direct:
         That each Federal agency, within 90 days, working with the
                Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office
                of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) identify all programs under
                its control that serve young people ages 13-21 and that
                offer a significant opportunity for preventing HIV
                infection; and
        That each Federal agency, in collaboration with the HHS and
                ONAP, develop within 180 days a specific plan through which
                said programs could increase access to HIV prevention and
                education information, as well as to supportive services and
                care for those already infected.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    [[Page 1679]]

    Note: The related proclamation of December 1 on the observance of World
    AIDS Day is listed in Appendix D at the end of this volume.