Research Groups

Healthy Youth Program (HYP)

Web Site: http://www.psych.uic.edu/HYP

Primary Researchers: Geri Donenberg, PhD and Brian Mustanski, PhD

Mission Statement

(1) To empower youth and families from diverse and traditionally underserved populations to lead safer, risk-free lives by promoting health and creating awareness of HIV/AIDS in their communities. We will:

  • communicate with youth about their risks and the facts about STIS
  • develop empirically based HIV prevention programs for youth and families that are culturally relevant and appropriate for the community
  • establish partnerships with local community agencies to help adolescents and their parents reduce risky behavior
  • integrate health, clinical care, and psychopathology in our research paradigms
  • train future professionals who will share the knowledge gained through our research with others through presentations, publications, and direct services.

Taken together, these activities will inform public policy, basic research, and intervention science to stem the transmission of HIV/AIDS in Chicago and across the nation.

(2) To reflect the diversity and strengths of the community we serve. We will:

  • create a work environment that promotes teamwork, respect for one other, professional growth, and an appreciation of differences
  • train and hire people from diverse backgrounds and experiences
  • encourage participation among staff in all aspects of the research
  • consistently discuss how culture, class, and ethnicity may impact our work and our relationships.

Our commitment to these goals will enable us to serve our surrounding community with greater empathy, compassion and wisdom.