AIDS Prevention for Teens

* This is in reference to your Feb. 17 editorial, “Get the Information Out!” As a graduate of Glendale’s Hoover High School, I am horrified and disgusted by the news that the neighborhood which I remember as so intelligent, and particularly its school board, seems to be unwilling to use every possible means to fight the AIDS epidemic. I realize that sexual activity and orientation are subjects much too “human” and “delicate” for some adults to even discuss, but the agonizing (and expensive) death of people at the point where society is just beginning to obtain a return on its investment in their lives should, at the very least, be looked at as a gigantic economic problem. Will the response be as pussyfooted if the present rise in tuberculosis becomes epidemic?

CHARLES W. FOX

Mission Viejo

* Abstinence is the answer to stop the spread of AIDS, but when one is dealing with teen-agers--who are in the age of experimentation--one needs to inform them of the dangers of the disease.

In my junior year at Norwalk High School, Kaiser Permanente staged its play, “Secrets,” on our campus. I found the play to be responsible by stressing abstinence, yet the play discussed the use of condoms as protection if one chooses to experiment with sex.

It is difficult to believe that Glendale school district officials are willing to jeopardize students’ health. It is a fact that high school students are having sex. I am not promoting promiscuity, but what I am saying is that if teen-agers choose to become sexually active, they should at least be aware of how to protect themselves from a deadly disease. KAREN D. CARRANZA

Los Angeles

* Teen-agers are sexually active. Like it or not! I cannot believe that the Glendale school board refuses to face facts and promote the proper use of condoms. The play “Secrets” could save some young lives.

I agree that abstinence is the very best preventive method for any sexually transmitted disease. As president of Being Alive South Bay, in speaking with young people, I repeat that message time and time again. After clearly stating that, I then state, if, however, your choice is sexual activity, never even think about it without a condom properly used. I can only say to the Glendale school board: Take a reality pill!

GARY VROOMAN

Carson