MEDIA ADVISORY
For more information, contact:
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Suzanne Thompson – (901) 448-4072, sthompson@uthsc.edu
or Shelby County Health Department
Cedric Robinson – (901) 222-9428, cedric.robinson@shelbycountytn.gov

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

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center,

Shelby County Health Department

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WHO: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in collaboration with the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) will host a second annual, free forum titled, “The 411 on Sex,” for local teens and their parents.

WHAT: “The 411 on Sex” will educate teens about risky sexual behavior and provide an environment to make them feel more comfortable asking questions about sex. During the event, SCHD will offer testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for those who are interested. In small group sessions with teens, UTHSC students will open dialogues to answer questions, and dispel myths about sex and STDs. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with UTHSC and SCHD staff and physicians to discuss ways they can support their children and share vital information about sexual health. The seminar is free and open to the public. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

WHEN: Saturday, September 22, 2012.

Registration: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Program: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: 800 Madison Avenue, Memphis, Tenn. – UTHSC Student-Alumni Center

WHY: “The goal is to educate teens ages 13 and older about the consequences of not practicing safe sex, and make the audience aware of the problems we have in our area regarding sex and sex trafficking,” said Pam Houston, UTHSC director of Community Affairs and Special Events. “We have to start by arming young people with the facts.” Anthony Amos, assistant program manager of Infectious Disease, SCHD, agreed. “We have to continue to communicate the message to the public about what STDs are and what is required to stay sexually healthy,” he said.

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 celebrated its centennial: 100 years advancing the future of health care. 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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