On Friday, June 20th, the San Pedro Red Cross hosted an HIV prevention workshop as part of a “Street Beat” activity held at the San Pedro Lobster Festival on Saturday, June 21st. The workshop was held at El Divino Restaurant from 9AM to 4PM and was aimed to educate community members on HIV so that they can in turn educate others. Of the 11 people that participated in the workshop, eight were teens.
San Pedro Red Cross members Shirlee Arnould and Mike Memeo officiated the workshop. Both had been previously trained at the Belize Red Cross Youth Agents for Change “Street Beat” Training and Activity back in December 2013. Throughout the workshop, participants received vital knowledge on how HIV is contracted and on ways to prevent the spreading of the disease. The group also shared common misconceptions of HIV. Participants had an open discussion on the stigma people with HIV suffer.
In addition, National AIDS Commission Island Committee member, Omar Solis presented a demonstration on how to properly use condoms. According to the information presented, condoms are one of the most practical ways to prevent the contraction of HIV.
Participants shared their knowledge during the Lobster Fest. San Pedro Red Cross also had a booth in the festival where hurricane preparedness brochures and information, as well as a 2014 Hurricane Pet Plan sheet were made available. The pet plan sheet provides information on how pet owners should secure the safety of their pets during a hurricane or tropical storm.
To find out more about the San Pedro Red Cross, call Laurie Norton at (501) 600-0837 or email Shirlee Arnould at [email protected].
