Increasing young people’s access to sexual health information and resources is a priority in Montgomery County’s Plan to End HIV. Although teens and young adults in the county experience disproportionately high rates of STIs, and many are at risk for contracting HIV, trusted adult allies often lack the skills and knowledge to support their sexual health and wellness. In this 3-day interactive workshop, Montgomery County-based human services professionals will learn how to effectively communicate with young people about the importance of sexual health, how to incorporate sexual health into programing for teens and young adults, and how to create space that is safe and affirming for LGBTQ youth and others with intersecting marginalized identities.
This workshop is open to teachers, social workers, case managers, healthcare professionals and any others who work regularly with youth and young adults in either a professional or volunteer capacity. Workshop attendance is restricted to those who work/practice in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Workshop topics include:
- Identifying and tackling racism, adultism, anti-LGBTQ bias and stigma in your youth-serving agency
- Identifying barriers to successful communication with young people
- Overcoming communication barriers to build trust
- Creating youth-friendly space: Policies, processes and the built environment
- Young people’s right to privacy and consent to services
- Talking to young people about sexual health
- HIV & STI testing and treatment basics for youth workers
Continuing Education Credits: CNE/CEU will be provided free of charge to those who attend the full workshop and complete an evaluation. Note that attendance is open only to those who work/practice in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Facilitators: STAR TRACK Adolescent Health Program
Contact: Emily Halden Brown, Ending the HIV Epidemic Program Manager, Montgomery County HIV/STI Services: Emily.Brown@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or 240-773-1172
