Nonprofit's Programs to Educate Teens, Their Parents on Risk Factors for AIDS

Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS Inc., a nonprofit organization, will sponsor a series titled “Live Life Without the Disease,” which will unite teens and their parents in discussions of cultural and social influences on health. CDC has indicated that more than 25 percent of new HIV infections are contracted by persons 13 to 24 years old, with blacks and gay males being the most affected. The series will focus on how decision-making can influence overall well-being; teach teens to recognize risky behavior, such as sex while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and encourage teens and parents to talk to each other.

Organizers hope to recruit at least 30 Pittsburgh teens between the ages of 13 and 19 and their parents to take part in the “Live Life Without the Disease” series, which begins at noon January 12 at the Thelma Lovette YMCA in Pittsburgh. For the 10 remaining sessions taking place between January 19 and September 2013, program organizers will choose locations based on where the participants live, according to Kezia Ellison, founder and executive director of Educating Teens about HIV/AIDS Inc. Nutritionists, doctors, relationship experts, and other professionals will lead the sessions.

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!