Planned Parenthood Mobilizes Youth on World AIDS Day

In recognition of World AIDS Day, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS) is coordinating events in cities throughout Minnesota aimed at helping young Minnesotans protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  From Minneapolis to Rochester, from Bemidji to Duluth – young people throughout the state will organize and educate their peers about HIV/AIDS.

As part of this initiative, Planned Parenthood’s Twin Ports Teen Council will set up information and outreach tables at four Duluth area high schools to raise awareness about HIV and its devastating impact on people in Minnesota and around the world.  Students who visit their tables will be asked to hang red ribbons in their schools where they identify one thing they promise to do to stop the spread of HIV.  Other events throughout the state include:

•  Free HIV Testing in Rochester in partnership with the University of Minnesota, Rochester and the Rochester Community Technical College;
•  Que Onda Minneapolis, PPMNS’ leadership development program for Latino youth, will host special HIV/AIDS educational sessions and make posters and safer-sex kits to educate the community; and
•  PPMNS’ peer education programs in Duluth and Richfield will host HIV/AIDS themed movie nights.

While the global incidence of HIV is on the decline, rates of new infection remain unacceptably high.  Abroad and in the United States, young people still lack access to information and services.  PPMNS works to break down these barriers by offering confidential, non-judgmental health care to men, women and teens.

Last year, PPMNS administered more than 60,000 STI tests in communities across the region including HIV testing and counseling. We also reached more than 24,000 people with educational programs that focus on healthy decision making, preventing unintended pregnancy and protecting against STIs.

For more than 80 years, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota has worked in our region to make sure all people have the information and the means to make free and responsible decisions about whether and when to have children.  Planned Parenthood operates 20 clinics in Minnesota and South Dakota and an Online Health Center, providing quality and affordable family planning, reproductive health care services and education to nearly 64,000  women and men each year.

Visit us on the web at www.ppmns.org