In 1986, the Baton Rouge Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Task Force began to implement an individual volunteer support program to provide support services through a companion, a buddy, whose functions would be either emotional support or assistance in daily activities, or both. In order to have trained volunteers, an education program was established in conjunction with Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), with an emphasis on communication, nonjudgmental listening skills, and assessment of client needs. This paper discusses the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the initial buddy training program. The training model, objectives, responsibilities of a buddy, policy on selected personal behaviors of a buddy, and general guidelines for volunteers are detailed, and recommendations are made for future training programs. (Author/AMH)