The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) are co-sponsors for candid conversations with teens and parents about sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) are co-sponsors for candid conversations with teens and parents about sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The discussion is in recognition of World AIDS Day, observed this year on December 1. The 411 on Sex will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Registration is from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. followed by the program from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
The event will be held in the UTHSC Student-Alumni Center at 800 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tenn. The event is free and open to the public.
The goal is to educate teenagers ages 13 and up about sexually risky behaviors and the potential, deadly consequences. Based on 2010 statistics, Memphis ranks #2 in the nation for the spread of certain STDs. “Know the Facts and Avoid the Danger” is the theme for the local event. “Our goal is to embody that theme in our outreach,” stated Pam Houston, UTHSC director of Community Affairs, Special Events and Student Life. “We have to start by arming young people with the facts.”
“Young people need straight talk about the dangers of sex and the consequences of impulsive behaviors or what they see as casual behavior,” said Anthony Amos, assistant program manager of Infectious Disease, SCHD.
In small group sessions with teens, UTHSC students will open dialogues, gather questions and debunk common myths about sex and STDs. Parents will meet with UTHSC and SCHD administrators and physicians to discuss ways they can support their children and share life-changing information about sexual health.