In Dr. John's travels around the world he has met many young people living with HIV/AIDS. Some were born with HIV or received the viral infection through their mother's milk. Other young people were sexually abused or were sold into the sex trade and were infected by adults. And others were infected with HIV from a one time sexual encounter or through a blood transfusion. Even others got HIV because they were involved in relationships where their partner was infected but didn't know or didn't tell the partner. Other young people received it through the exchange of a contaminated needle or syringe (From drugs, tattoos, body piercings, and even steroid use). Other young people, out of ignorance or not caring, got sick from multiple partners without using any protection such as a quality latex- or polyurethane manufactured condom.
Every one of these POS+ teens has a story to tell. Dr. John does not believe in judging the morals or activities of any individual (that is the purview of parents and/or adult guardians). Dr, John's role is as a teacher of medically accurate prevention facts and trainer of PeerCorps teens. He is concerned that POS+ teens become informed so they do not pass HIV onto unsuspecting partners. He also empowers these teenagers and young adults to be effective and empathetic educators helping their generation avoid AIDS. In this section, you will read and see young people who have stories to share with you. We hope that you will respond to what you have learned with your thoughts using the return e-mail. We will select some comments for inclusion on this page.