This document, comprising the first of two parts, contains testimony examining the vulnerability of today's youth to health problems because of risky sexual behaviors and substance abuse, and how adolescents may be encouraged to make healthy choices. An opening statement by Representative Patricia Schroeder is presented. Testimony from these witnesses is included: (1) Jose Duran, executive director, HOPE, Hispanic Office of Planning and Evaluation, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts; (2) William Gardner, associate professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; (3) Lloyd J. Kolbe, Director, Division of Adolescent and School Health, Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Department, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; (4) Rae Ellen McKee, 1991 Teacher of the Year, Pointe, West Virginia; (5) Linda Dianne Meloy, assistant professor of pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; (6) Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus, associate professor, division of child psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York; (7) Kathleen M. Sullivan, director, Project Respect, Golf, Illinois; (8) Dorothy Wodraska, assistant director, Project I-STAR, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana; and (9) Lenore Zedosky, assistant director, office of educational support services, West Virginia Department of Education, Charleston, West Virginia. Prepared material from Representatives Dave Camp, Clyde Holloway, and Patricia Schroeder, as well as from other individuals, are included. (LLL)