FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Sheila Champlin – (901) 448-4957, schampli@uthsc.edu or

Dena Owens – (901) 448-4072, dowens10@uthsc.edu 

 

 

 

Memphis Teens, Parents Invited to ‘The 411 on Sex’ Presented by

 

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and

 

Shelby County Health Department

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            Memphis, Tenn. (November 30, 2011) – 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.

               As the flagship statewide academic health system, the mission of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is to bring the benefits of the health sciences to the achievement and maintenance of human health, with a focus on the citizens of Tennessee and the region, by pursuing an integrated program of education, research, clinical care, and public service.  In 2011, UT Health Science Center celebrates its centennial: 100 years advancing the future of health care.  Offering a broad range of postgraduate training opportunities, the main UTHSC campus is located in Memphis and includes six colleges: Allied Health Sciences, Dentistry, Graduate Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy.  The UTHSC campus in Knoxville includes a College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, and an Allied Health Sciences unit.  In addition, the UTHSC Chattanooga campus includes a College of Medicine and an Allied Health Sciences unit.  Since its founding in 1911, UTHSC has educated and trained more than 53,000 health care professionals on campuses and in health care facilities across the state.  For more information, visit www.uthsc.edu.

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