For information and education to be effective in helping to control the spread of HIV and AIDS, both must be designed to influence behaviors associated with transmission of HIV. Because of the urgency of the AIDS problem, interventions are being implemented while research is conducted to assure and assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Target populations for the AIDS educational campaign are the public (with special programs for racial and ethnic minority communities), school and college-aged populations, persons infected or at risk of infection, and health workers. An intensive, continuing national public information campaign began in July 1987 featuring, among other things, designation of October 1987 as "AIDS Awareness and Prevention Month," distribution of public service announcements to television and radio networks nationwide, and mobilization of public and private organizations in AIDS prevention efforts. Also, the National AIDS Information Line provides easy access to information about AIDS.