Health and HIV / AIDS

The clients and communities served by CCA have been particularly hard hit by the AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) epidemic. New York State has more HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infected people in prison than any other state and it leads the nation in the number of reported AIDS cases among adolescents. People in the high risk categories include those who use and abuse drugs, street workers, youth and young adults in detention facilities and jails, dropouts, young people in alternative schools, foster care or other juvenile institutions. CCA's commitment to comprehensive and supportive services led the agency to the development of programs which link community health and criminal justice.

Beginning in 1994, CCA established a series of CHOICES projects for adolescent girls and boys, incarcerated adults, women transitioning back into the community from prison and adults in alternative to incarceration programs or otherwise criminal justice involved. Services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each population. They include prevention education, peer educator training, case management, transitional planning, HIV counseling, testing and supportive services.

Recognizing the extensive health needs of clients, CCA is expanding its health services to address mental health and chronic health conditions.