Organizing events to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS helps eradicate the stigma attached to those who live with this condition, according to Shaunte Polk, program administrator for the Office of Intercultural Affairs and an organizer of this event.
“We need to generate an understanding of HIV/AIDS especially in the LGBTQ+ and African American community, which historically have held the highest numbers of affected people,” Polk said. “Some students still do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and having events like these can help our campus community become more aware and knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS.”
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the university’s Memorial Student Center lobby, Polk said attendees can expect to visit various informational exhibits as well as have the opportunity to receive a rapid HIV test in the Don Morris Room courtesy of the Ebenezer Medical Outreach Center.
Amy Saunders, director of the university’s Student Health Education Programs, said their department has worked with the LGBTQ+ office in planning the event and assisted with asking community partners to participate.
“Campus initiatives like World AIDS day are beneficial because they shine an important light on an important health issue for our students, especially students who are sexually active, Saunders said. “Students need to know their status when it comes to sexually transmitted infections, not just HIV.”
To learn more about World AIDS Day Activities and future activities sponsored by the LGBTQ+ Office and the Center for African American Students, please contact Polk by phone at 304-696-6705 or by e-mail at polk4@marshall.edu.
Media are welcome to attend this event.