December 1 is World AIDS Day. Adams State University has scheduled events to correspond with this year’s theme, Engaging Youth Voices in the Response to HIV & AIDS. Organized with a student demographic in mind, events will focus on the current status of this disease regarding risk factors, treatment and prevention.
A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Mari Centeno, professor of political science, begins at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, in McDaniel Hall 101. Panelists include a physician specializing in women’s health, a person living with HIV, an Adams State counselor whose story represents several diverse perspectives, and an advocate for abstinence.
Free HIV testing, performed by qualified staff from the Southern Colorado AIDS Project, will be held from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the Adams State Student Union Building third floor. No appointment is necessary and results will be available within 20 minutes. Please be prepared to wait your turn. Testing is open to campus and community.
A Candlelight Vigil begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the Student Union Building Mall Court, including a performance by 68 West and the lighting of the memorial candle. Light refreshments will follow.
The SLV AIDS quilt, along with two additional quilt pieces, will be on display from November 30 through December 2 in the Student Union Building Mall Court. Informational booths will be on display throughout World AIDS Day, on December 1.
World AIDS Day started in 1988 to raise money and increase awareness, education and fight prejudice.
According to SLV Area Health Education Center Charlotte Ledonne, the vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
What can you do to help? Educate yourself about the disease, support education in your community and become an advocate. Get tested if you are at risk for HIV due to unprotected sex with high risk partners.
For information on local services call Charlotte Ledonne at SLV Area Health Education Center at 719-589-4977.
