Archival Content: 1999-2005

Training > Outreach Training Organizations

National Network of STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers (PTCs)

What is the National Network?

The National Network of STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers (PTCs) is a CDC-funded project involving ten centers created in partnership with health departments and universities. PTCs are dedicated to increasing the knowledge and skills of health professionals in sexual and reproductive health.

Ten National Network centers provide STD clinical training, four centers provide behavioral and social interventions training, and four centers provide partner services and program support training. Training is offered through workshops, online training, and print self-study materials.

What topics are covered in PTC trainings?

Examples of workshops that might be useful for outreach workers include:

Training/Operations for Safety Around Field Encounters (TOPSAFE). This 2-day course is for public health professionals who are involved in fieldwork, such as full-time community outreach workers or disease intervention specialists (DISs). Participants are trained in situations associated with basic safety principles, interpersonal communications, and problem solving. This course is also available in a self-study format.

Behavioral Counseling for STD/HIV Prevention. This 3- to 5-day course provides an overview of behavioral and social science theory and reviews effective behavioral counseling interventions. Participants are trained to assess each client's stage of readiness for change and to use one of 12 counseling strategies to foster behavior change.

HIV/AIDS Update a 1-2 day overview of current medical developments.

Who can train through the National Network?

Any professional working with individuals affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including:

outreach workers,

other community-based program staff,

prevention counselors,

disease intervention specialists, and

primary care providers.

How much does PTC training cost?

Costs vary, depending on the course and the PTC that offers it.

Where can I get PTC training?

The Network is composed of Regional Centers that cover the Western, Central, Southern, and Eastern portions of the U.S. Each Regional Center works with several PTCs that offer training.

Self-study materials are also available online from the National Network website (see the STD/HIV Training Resources box).

Where can I learn more?

Visit the National Network’s website.

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