A comprehensive and well-resourced education program should identify high-risk behavior and propose ways to alter such behavior. Education should focus particularly on how to reduce the risk of transmitting the AIDS virus through various sexual acts and through intravenous drug use. Education should recognize that many youth will not abstain from sexual activity and drug abuse, so information should focus on relatively safe sex and drug use. Widespread voluntary and confidential testing should also be instituted, particularly for high-risk groups, so persons may be aware of their AIDS infection and take steps to prevent its transmission to others. Given the complexity and uncertainty of test results, professional information and counseling should accompany a screening program. Treatment and financial support for persons with drug dependency or sexually transmitted diseases are also crucial to public health. The development of a comprehensive network of care and support should provide facilities for patients at the closing stages of life and mental health services to address the psychological impact of AIDS. Legislation should protect the confidentiality of health care information pertaining to AIDS patients and also prevent discrimination in such areas as employment, insurance, and housing. 11 references.