May 18th Youth Health and Leadership Summit to Include STI and HIV Prevention Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimates more than 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the United States. At the end of 2011, 28,197 Marylanders were diagnosed and living with HIV or AIDS. 1,405 youth ages 13-24 were living with HIV in Maryland in 2011. The most common HIV exposure category among youth in Maryland with a reported exposure is male to male sex.
“HIV education, testing and treatment are essential to the elimination of new HIV infections in Maryland,” said Michelle Spencer, Director of the DHMH, Prevention and Health Promotion Administration. “We encourage young people and their families to attend the Youth Health and Leadership Summit on May 18th.”
Youth attending the event will have an opportunity to network with community leaders, peer educators, service providers, and faith based organizations. Through various presentations speakers will address leadership skills, health issues including STI/HIV prevention, self-esteem, teen pregnancy prevention and relationships to promote healthy lifestyles. The summit is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Jericho Christian College located at 8601 Jericho City Drive, Landover, Maryland 20785. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. To register go to www.afterschoolinstitute.org . For information about HIV go to http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/SitePages/infectious_disease.aspx
