Forum to Teach Youths About AIDS

AIDS Delaware, the state’s oldest and largest AIDS service organization, is inviting Wilmington-area parents to bring their children to the “2011 Youth HIV Forum” on Dec. 3 at Bancroft Elementary School, 700 N. Lombard St., Wilmington.

“Our special invited guest is Delaware native Lolisa Gibson, author of ‘The Way I See It’ and an HIV-positive motivational speaker,” said Frank Hawkins, AIDS Delaware’s education manager. Gibson is a graduate of Howard High School in Wilmington, and “at the tender age of 17 ... became ill and soon found out she was HIV-positive,” said Hawkins. She will talk about her life and her book.

The forum, coming just after World AIDS Day, aims to teach young Delawareans about HIV awareness, choosing safer behaviors, and testing and treatment options, said Hawkins. AIDS Delaware collaborates with the nonprofits Duffy’s Hope and the YESS Program to present the session, which includes a Q&A for both parents and children.

The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at noon and the program begins at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Hawkins at 302-652-6776 or Hawkins@aidsdelaware.org.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!