This emphasis on education is carried out in Florida’s mandate that 22 professions (including doctors and massage therapists) complete a course on HIV and AIDS as a condition of licensure or re-licensure. A similar course is required for employees of various care facilities. Additionally, the law directs that a program be established to educate the public, including minority populations, about methods of transmission and prevention, distinguishing between the different risks of transmission in social, employment and educational settings. The broad-based program also provides education to health workers and health facility employees, as well as making available consulting and information to state and local agencies and governments, and information to private employers. The Departments of Education, Health, and of Business and Professional Regulation shall establish an interagency agreement to review AIDS education programs in the state.

Mandatory HIV education is required in HIV/AIDS for all staff and prisoners in Florida correctional facilities.

The state of Florida is concerned that HIV-risky behavior may be the result of behavior patterns, such as emotional disturbances, which lessen one’s normal judgment. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation has found a similar issue with black gay and bisexual men; “[t]hese men struggle not only with issues related to HIV, but also with racism, addiction, poverty, homophobia, violence, and marginal housing conditions.” Their idea is that drop in sessions weekly, workshops, social events, leadership training and community development can improve the other problems and lead to a diminished risk-taking re HIV.

Maryland legislates a statewide public information program on AIDS (established by the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene) shall concentrate on individuals who at high risk for contracting the disease. The Secretary shall also set up a program to train health professionals in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of AIDS.

In Maryland, emergency workers (fire fighters, emergency medical technicians, rescue squad members), law enforcement officers and correctional officers shall receive training on how HIV is transmitted. Further, they shall receive appropriate equipment approved by the Centers for Disease Control to protect against possible transmission of the disease during their work.

Maryland also has two other approaches to changing behavior. Baltimore has initiated a needle exchange program where one may receive a sterile hypodermic needle and syringe when a used one of each is turned in. The exchange site provides opportunities for HIV prevention education and drug counseling and treatment. Secondly, the Maryland Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene has the authority to ensure the quality and effectiveness of condoms sold in vending machines or by other automatic means.