Student Life to offer free HIV screenings Dec. 1
WHITNEY KNIGHT
Staff Writer
staffwriter1@occc.edu
Empowering students and providing them with resources necessary to keep themselves healthy is the goal of Student Life's free HIV screenings, held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 1, in the College Union.
Stephanie Baird, Student Life programs coordinator, said the event is being held as a part of World AIDS Day, held every year on Dec. 1.
“We want students to be aware of their health,” Baird said. “We want to provide them the opportunity to take power and be responsible for themselves.”
Those who receive an HIV screening test can expect confidentiality, she said.
“The event is being held in a fashion similar to the blood drives,” Baird said.
“But since this is something more personal, some extra steps will be taken for privacy reasons.”
Baird said if a student tests positive for HIV, that person should seek appropriate treatment.
“We are trying to guide students in the right direction, but it is ultimately their responsibility,” she said.
Information packets regarding HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases will be provided by RAIN Oklahoma, Baird said.
RAIN Oklahoma is the local chapter of the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, an organization devoted to provide compassionate care for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS as well as prevention education.
After the screenings, she said, Student Life will host a movie showing of “Rent” beginning at 2 p.m. in CU3.
A discussion panel will follow the movie, she said.
“The movie is all about debunking myths about sexually transmitted diseases by showing patients who are both homosexual and heterosexual, as well as some who have taken intravenous drugs and some who have not,” Baird said.
“It is a chance for students to reflect on stereotypes.”
For more information, contact Baird at 405-682-1611, ext. 7697.
In addition, for more information regarding World AIDS day, visit the World AIDS Campaign website at www.worldaidscampaign.org.
