Get tested: World AIDS Day recognized at University of Idaho

World AIDS Day Dec. 1 has been recognized at the University of Idaho all this week, with testing all day today in the Whitewater room in the Idaho Commons.

“We want to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS. In our culture today people think that because of medicine and modern medical advancement, HIV and AIDS is no longer a problem in today’s society,” said Coordinator of the LGBTQA Office, Julia Keleher.

There are three major events that celebrated World AIDS Day. Wednesday and Thursday, red ribbon cookies were sold for $1 in the Commons.  The movie “Philadelphia” was presented on Thursday and there is free HIV and AIDS testing in the Commons today.

VOX: Voice for Planned Parenthood focuses on comprehensive sex education, reproductive legislature issues and keeping students safe and healthy, said President and Coodinator of UI VOX, Erika Newman.

Newman said the cost of the cookies was donated by the Women’s Center, meaning that 100 percent of the money made from the cookies will go to Inland Oasis to help support those with HIV and AIDS in the Moscow community. While selling the red ribbon cookies, VOX was also promoting the free HIV and AIDS testing, she said.

“I am really excited for the opportunity that has been brought to campus, that doesn’t take very long (to get tested),” Newman said. “So many organizations are helping and trying to raise awareness on issues of HIV and AIDS.”

Red ribbons were also handed out during the selling of the cookies, Keleher said, “in remembrance of those who have passed from HIV and AIDS and to show that it is still a major issue.”

The free testing Friday will take about 10-15 minutes, Keleher said, and only requires a swab from the inside of the cheek.

“(Getting tested) is a good way to learn (about HIV and AIDS), get tested and to keep themselves safe,” she said.

Keleher said last year it was a very popular event, so it is recommended to get there early to sign up for a time to get tested.

“Come to these events to learn about the HIV and AIDS pandemic and how it has affected America’s history. Learn your risk factors and learn to keep yourself healthy in your sexuality and allover health. Know how to keep yourself healthy and where to protect yourself on and off campus,” Keleher said. “People don’t realize how big of a deal it is.”

Emily Aizawa 

can be reached at 

[email protected]

 

Erika Newman, left, VOX president, and Nicole Lichtenberg, right, distribute pamphlets and cookies to students to raise awareness for World AIDS Day 2012 on Dec 1. Students can receive free HIV testing today in the Whitewater/Clearwater Rooms located on the first floor of the Idaho Commons.

About the Author

Emily Aizawa News reporter Freshman in public relations Can be reached at [email protected]

Leave a Reply

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.