Idaho State University is recognizing the World AIDS Day on Dec. 5. The event consists of free HIV testing and Workshops from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Building’s Ball Room.
World AIDS day was created in 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter to raise awareness and show support for those with HIV and AIDS.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the retrovirus that causes AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome happens when the HIV virus has almost completely depleted the immune system.
Ryan Heffner, a volunteer for ISU’s World AIDS Day event points out the need for awareness. “We need to tell people it still hasn’t gone away,” he continued, “A lot of people think that it isn’t a problem anymore with a mentality like ‘Oh, that was in the 80s and 90s, we don’t need to worry about that anymore’ but there are people in our area effected by HIV and AIDS.”
This event wants to show support for HIV and AIDS. “We want to make it clear to those suffering from HIV or AIDS in southeast Idaho that we support them, and we support research in finding a cure, or finding a way to stop the virus from spreading,” said Heffner.
Getting tested for HIV requires a finger prick, similar to diabetes testing, and waiting 15 minutes for your results. “It’s painless, simple and really important for people to do,” said Heffner.
One goal of the event is to debunk myths and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS. “The most common [myth] I’ve heard is that if you kiss someone with HIV you can get it too,” said Heffner. The most common ways to get HIV is by sharing needles and having unprotected sex.
According to aids.gov the population of those in the USA that are affected with HIV is 61 percent men who have sex with men, 27 percent heterosexuals, nine percent intravenous drug users, and three percent were both men who have sex with men and intravenous drug users.
The World AIDS Day event on Dec. 5 will feature speakers and topics including: “Stress, Chronic Disease and the Immune System” by Dr. Jean Pfau in the SUB ballroom, “Cultivating Compassion in the Midst of Hatred” by Dr. Paula Seikel in the SUB ballroom, “Anderson Center Presents: World AIDS Day Lunchtalk” by Dr. Rick Pongratz in the Rendezvous Diversity Center, “The Virology of HIV” by Dr. Larry Farrell in the SUB ballroom, “HIV in 2012: Prevention, Retention, and Expansion” by Dr. David Hachey in the SUB ballroom and “Public Health’s Role in HIV/AIDS” by Jeff Dorr.
