About 30 students appeared at the Health Outreach, Promotion and Education office Monday to receive a confidential and free rapid-result HIV test that gives results in 20 minutes.
The HOPE free testing clinic — sponsored by the University’s Student Life Multicultural Student Involvement and Health Services at the HOPE office at 8 Lafayette St. in New Brunswick — was held in honor of the 10th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, said Cheryl Wilson, associate director of Multicultural Student Involvement.Home hiv test, home hiv kit, hiv test kit
In the United States, blacks are most affected by the HIV epidemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Blacks comprise 12 percent of the U.S. population, but nearly half of the estimated 1 million people living with HIV and almost half of new HIV infections annually,” said Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS in a statement.Home hiv test, home hiv kit, hiv test kit
Wilson organized the event as part of a larger program, the HIV/AIDS Awareness Series, which will continue throughout the year.
She decided to take action after she read a report that the AIDS epidemic in America is more serious than previously believed.
For some, the threat might be painstakingly real. For others, getting tested is a precautionary measure.
“Everyone, not just students, should know his or her status,” Wilson said. “Individuals who are or who have ever been sexually active should get tested.”Home hiv test, home hiv kit, hiv test kit
While not all students are worried about contacting HIV/AIDS, it is a frightening reality for one University student who said she was recently sexually assaulted on campus.
The student, who wished to remain anonymous, was one of the 30 students who received the test.
“It’s a lot quicker here than it is at health services,” she said.
The anonymous student explained how HIV testing at the HOPE office takes away a lot of the anxiety associated with waiting for test results.Home hiv test, home hiv kit, hiv test kit
“It could be a traumatic experience but here is nice and not as nerve-wracking,” she said.
The health centers use blood testing for HIV/AIDS and take longer to receive results than the fast and painless oral swabbing performed Monday at the event, according to a University Health Services pamphlet.
Liz Amaya-Fernandez, a health education specialist at the University, said testing is important because HIV/AIDS can be managed with proper treatment.Home hiv test, home hiv kit, hiv test kit
“The earlier you know, the better you can take care of it,” she said.
Fernandez also advocates testing for individuals who have never had sex but have engaged in “risky” behavior like the use of alcohol or drugs, which have the ability to affect a person’s memory.
There will be another free rapid-result testing event on March 10 in commemoration of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.Home hiv test, home hiv kit, hiv test kit