Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Give Children Hope in a World of AIDS

Make time to talk with your children and friends about HIV/AIDS, or participate in a local activity. Your conversation and involvement can help prevent HIV infection locally and create a more compassionate community.

Talking to children and young people about HIV/AIDS can be difficult. But knowledge is the basis for healthy decision making. The correct information you provide can grow as your children grow. Young children can understand simple ways to prevent disease. Talking about how germs are and are not spread is one way. It should also help reduce their possible fear of getting AIDS through everyday childhood activities. 

As children enter the teen years, their chance of becoming infected increases. Peer pressure may encourage drug use and sexual activity. Adults, too, may need a reminder about HIV infection and AIDS prevention. Reviewing information to get ready for a talk with a child can help in this regard. People of all ages can learn to accept and live with people challenged by AIDS, as we do for those with other diseases.

Some organizations, schools and colleges plan special community events for World AIDS Day every year on December 1.  Watch for events in which you and your family can take part. 

For more information call the Genesee County Health Department at (810)257-3440 or Wellness AIDS Services at (810)232-0888.