SCOTT CITY GETS GRANT FOR AIDS PROGRAM

SCOTT CITY -- Juniors and seniors at Scott City High School have a chance to learn a little more about AIDS and HIV infection, thanks to a state grant.

Registered nurse Jan Davis, who is the school nurse for Scott City students from kindergarten through 12th grade, applied for money to help educate students about the disease.

The program is funded by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Eight grants were approved in Missouri.

In addition to Scott City's award, Scott County Central High School also received a grant.

Davis said she was prompted to apply for the grant because the number of AIDS cases in Southeast Missouri continue to rise, especially among teen-agers.

"It's not just HIV, it's also teen pregnancy," she said, adding that students need as much information as can be provided.

As a nurse, Davis said, "Someone different in the classroom and with a medical background provides a little different perspective."

The competitive grant program was open to every school district in Missouri. It targets 11th and 12th grade students.

"It's a brand new program," Davis said. "Initially, I will provide a pre-test to students to find out their knowledge of HIV and AIDS. I will then provide a brief education, including things like the difference between HIV and AIDS and how you can get it and how you can't."

At the end of the program, students will be tested again

Instruction will be incorporated in health and science courses. Scott City received $2,600 from the state to fund the new program.

All the materials must be approved by a review panel of community people.

Members of Scott City's review panel include Ray Smith, with the Parent Teacher Organization; Gale Dale, school board president; Mary Rogers, parent; the Rev. Eloise Marx, minister; and Teresa Wilferth, community organizer for AIDS education.