'World AIDS Day' Workshop is Thursday

HIV/AIDS continues to be the most widespread health issue in the world, with roughly 40.3 million people living with HIV in 2005.

December 1 marks 'World AIDS Day' and the Office of Multicultural and International Student Services, the Student Health Center and UNICEF will be presenting a 'World AIDS Day' workshop at noon in LSC 320.

"We want to broaden the knowledge that HIV/AIDS is a world-wide multicultural issue," said Jennifer Roberts, M.I.S.S. Coordinator.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the global epidemic of AIDS including its prevalence in the United States, as well as the importance of prevention efforts and screening methods.

"Although the prevalence rates for HIV are increasing both worldwide and in the United States, there are ways to prevent its transmission," said Michelle Lovering, Student Health Center coordinator. "Students who attend the workshop will learn about the methods to reduce the risk of contracting HIV."

Methods to reduce one's risk of contracting HIV (and other sexually-transmitted diseases) include:

•  Abstinence from all sexual activities including oral sex, anal sex, and penile-vaginal intercourse.

•  Consistent and correct use of a latex condom and limiting sex partners.

•  Not sharing needles or equipment to inject drugs.

Currently the Student Health Center offers confidential and anonymous HIV testing for only $15. Students must call in advance to set up an appointment. Results will be ready in 1-2 days.

"Students have a location where they can have an affordable HIV test," said Dr. Tom Hill, Student Health Center doctor. "HIV testing at other facilities can cost more."

For more information, call the health center at 936.294.1805 or visit online at www.shsu.edu/healthcenter . For more information about HIV/AIDS, visit www.unaids.org

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Copy by Alisha Moore

SHSU Media Contact: Frank Krystyniak
Nov. 30, 2005
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