The Condom Collective at the University of Nevada, Reno will host a Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness panel on April 9, bringing together students, advocates, and community members to discuss harm reduction, education, and access to resources.
The event aims to highlight the impact of HIV and AIDS on young people in recognition of National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. It is scheduled from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. at The Radical Cat in Reno and is free for both students and the public.
National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is observed each year on April 10 across the United States to promote education, prevention efforts, and access to care. In Reno, Mayor Hillary Schieve and the City of Reno have issued a proclamation recognizing this day locally.
Panel speakers include Melanie Flores from the School of Public Health; Patrick Peterson, an advocate living with HIV; Jen Howell from Northern Nevada Public Health’s sexual health program; and Hannah Alquiza from Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. Claire Lin, a student leader with the Condom Collective who organizes events to expand sexual health resources on campus and in the community, said her academic experiences have shaped her advocacy work. “Sexual health is health,” Lin said. “Events like this give people the opportunity to ask questions, learn from others and better understand how to protect themselves and their communities.”
Emily Hobson, associate professor of history at the University of Nevada, Reno who teaches about HIV/AIDS history said understanding past responses remains important for younger generations. “The history of HIV/AIDS shows that it has been a political crisis as well as a public health problem, and advocacy remains essential to fighting the epidemic,” Hobson said. “New funding cuts to HIV/AIDS care are anticipated to produce an increase in new HIV infections for the first time in decades. Events like this provide a powerful way for young people to learn about prevention as well as the history of community-based responses.”
Flores emphasized that many young people underestimate their risk but should be aware that anyone having sex could be exposed: “Unfortunately most young people do not think they are at risk for getting HIV…but in fact if you are having sex you are at-risk,” she said. She noted that nearly one-fifth (18.3%) of new infections occur among those aged 13-24 years old.
Attendees will have access not only to information but also free condoms and other local resources during Wednesday’s event.
By gathering diverse voices across campus organizations and local partners such as Advocates for Youth or Planned Parenthood Mar Monte—and through initiatives like tabling events or creative outreach—organizers hope this panel encourages ongoing dialogue about prevention while empowering students toward better health outcomes.
