We recently finished sessions 7 and 8 of SALUD! In the first session, the students learned about HIV disparities in the rural South, especially as it pertains to the Latinx community. Joaquín Carcaño and Judith Isabel Montenegro gave excellent talks and led discussions around safe sex, advocacy, and breaking down education barriers. In session 8, Gaby Nagy, the NC Compass Center, and Shift NC led talks and activities related to intimate partner violence and unhealthy relationship behaviors. We frequently touched upon the concept of machismo and how violence is perpetuated. It is rewarding to see the students tackle a difficult but important topic and gaining a sense of empowerment about protecting themselves and their loved ones.
