RENO -- Students in the Washoe County School District (WCSD) will observe World AIDS Day during a video presentation and youth panel discussion entitled “Facing AIDS in Our Young
Community.”

The events will be held on Thursday, Nov. 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Sparks High School.

World AIDS Day was first organized in 1988. It provides an opportunity to unite people worldwide in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, commemorate those who have died, and educate people about the disease. It is observed across the world on Dec. 1. “This is an invaluable opportunity for our students to learn about this illness and how they can protect themselves from HIV,” said Katherine Loudon, coordinator of counseling services for WCSD. “They need to get accurate information, learn their status, and understand the risks. It is never too early for students to
take responsibility for their health.”

At the event, students and their parents will hear information about HIV/AIDS statistics worldwide, nationwide, and statewide, and watch a video about young people living with HIV. They will also have the opportunity to ask questions after a panel discussion with several young people and adults who are HIV
positive.

“A large number of new HIV infections occur among young people, and we need to give them the knowledge and resources necessary to avoid those infections,” said Kathryn Weber-Karp, S.H.A.R.E specialist for WCSD. “Our event ‘Facing AIDS in Our Young Community’ is one way we can help accomplish this.”

The Sexuality, Health, and Responsibility Education (S.H.A.R.E.) department of WCSD is collaborating with local groups including the Washoe County Health District, Northern Nevada HOPES, the Northern Nevada Outreach Team, ACCEPT, and the City of Sparks to organize World AIDS Day events. This is the first such observance by WCSD.