MEMPHIS, Tenn. — University of Tennessee Health Science Center medical students are trying to prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Shelby County and they’re starting with students.

More than 80 medical students are giving a presentation in Shelby County high school classrooms in a program called, “Student 2 Student Memphis.”

Included is a presentation, then opportunity for dialogue about STIs and how to prevent them, including abstinence and condom usage.

“We have access to the knowledge we need to teach in the classrooms, and at the same time, we’re younger, and we’re closer to the age of the students than their normal teachers are,” Medical student Liz Anderson said.

Anderson said student surveys show SCS students feel more comfortable discussing these issues in this type of model.

SCS said in a statement: “This program has been beneficial for our students. It is giving them the opportunity to talk about delicate subjects they not normally feel comfortable discussing.”

Anderson took the presentation to the Shelby County School Board last year.

After six meetings, the board approved it.

The curriculum conforms with state laws, so it does not discuss birth control.

Parents sign permission forms for their children to take the course.

UTHSC students already brought the program to 24 classrooms.

Anderson said she hopes to reach many more in the years to come.