KIP (Knowledge Is Power) Program

The KIP (Knowledge Is Power) Program offers Washington County Correctional Facility inmates evidence/reality-based prevention education with a testing component to address the public health concern of HIV/AIDS and STD transmission among inmates and their partners. Washington County Public Health staff implements a one to two hour intervention with Washington Correctional Facility inmates each Friday morning. Each intervention is gender and age specific and proper policies and procedures are in place at all times. The program aims to decrease stigmas about HIV/AIDS and STD's and decrease disease transmission and progression. The KIP Program increases self worth, confidence, and awareness to promote healthier lifestyles and behavior changes. The testing component is conducted at the Washington County Correctional Facility each Thursday afternoon. Testing occurs on a voluntary basis or by inmate request only.

The goals of the KIP Program are to instill in the inmate community the knowledge and power to make healthy decisions and try to incorporate risk and harm reduction ideas into inmate lifestyles.

Since January 2004, 100 Washington County Jail inmates requested and have received HIV/AIDS and STD education. Also, 52 inmates or 43% of the average inmate population requested and have received HIV OraQuick Rapid testing.