BALTIMORE, MD (June 10, 2009) – “Dare To Be Safe? Protect Yourself and Get Tested!” will be the theme for an HIV Prevention Youth Summit on June 19^th in Baltimore, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) AIDS Administration announced today.  

“Armed with the facts, young Marylanders can protect themselves and their peers from HIV,” said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. “This summit can help Maryland families keep this generation of young adults healthy with straight talk about HIV prevention and solid information about their health care options in the event of infection.” 

Youth peer educators, interested youth, parents, and organizations serving youth are invited to attend the HIV Prevention Youth Summit.  The Summit program includes a youth panel, free HIV counseling and testing services, exhibits, and educational workshops.  The summit will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Radisson Cross Keys, 5100 Falls Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21210. 

“Summit attendees will have the opportunity to learn about and participate in evidence based HIV prevention programs that target youth,” said Heather Hauck, director of the Maryland DHMH AIDS Administration.  

Registration is free.  To register for the Summit, call 410.580.0750 or visit www.afterschoolinstitute.org (click on “click here to register for trainings or events” at the bottom of the screen). 

Summit sponsors are the DHMH AIDS Administration, the Maryland State Department of Education, Baltimore City Health Department, and The After-School Institute.