Spread the Word About Sexual Health and Prevention

"The ONLY requirement to be part of SHEP is that members should have passion and enthusiasm for STD/HIV prevention, and the heart to work selflessly in the community without judgment."

This is according to Denise Bellows, discussing the new work group which branches off of the UMD-Prevention Research Center. Sexual Health Education and Prevention (SHEP), will receive direction from the UMD-PRC based on research findings, as well as in response to the needs of our community partners.

"If you are interested in STD/HIV prevention, we need you at SHEP, and we can connect you with others already working in STD/HIV prevention in one of the most at-risk parts of the United States," Bellows says.

SHEP'S FORMATION: For the past year and a half, the UMD-PRC has been working with the Sexually Transmitted Infections Community Coalition (www.sticc.org) on various outreach events and activities. STICC requested volunteers, so there's an effort to gather a force of students, already passionate about STD/HIV prevention, who would meet regularly and be more "in-the-loop" about STD/HIV prevention efforts in Washington D.C. and Prince George's County. Much of community-based participatory research is about forming relationships with the community.

Upcoming Training Opportunities
(highly recommended for April 24th and 30th outreach events):

• PreventionWorks! Saturday, April 17th, 4-6pm, 2501 Benning Road, NW DC
  
• Monday, April 19th, 6-8pm, UMD SPH room 1302
  

Upcoming Outreach Events:

• April 24th - all day: Maryland Day! (testing, education, condom distribution)
  
• April 30th, all day: STICC 4...3...2...1.. Get Your Test! Outreach in DC/MD/VA
  

It is DEFINITELY important to have students outside of SPH involved in SHEP. In addition to needing the skills of a health educator or someone with medical expertise, STD/HIV is often under-funded, and individuals with a variety of skills such as journalists, graphic artists, photographers, counselors, business leaders, legal experts, marketing specialists, even experts in technology and computer science are always needed. Whatever your talents or skills, there is a way you would be useful to the group. The more diversity the better!

For more information, contact Denise Bellows.