Spring Break
HAVE YOU BEEN TESTED?
AIDS Week Spreads Awareness, Encourages HIV Testing
Lindsay Fetzner
Issue date: 12/3/07 Section: News
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Throughout the week, Health Services tabled in South, Northwest and North dining halls, offered students information and handouts on statistics, how to protect themselves and other useful advice regarding HIV/AIDS. Students were also given the option of free HIV testing on Monday, provided by Windham AIDS Program, according to Joleen Nevers, the UConn Health Education coordinator.
"It is really important to get tested and to live knowing whether or not you have AIDS," said Carla Aldana, a 5th-semester English major. "Not testing yourself or having your partner get tested is scary."
Wednesday evening in the Student Union, Health Education collaborated with students, faculty and staff to present ART4AIDS, which displayed a visual representation of the effects of living with AIDS. Each artist provided a message that accompanied their art, conveying what the underlining meaning of their individual pieces of art.
"It's more than just awareness," said Samati Niyomchai, a 5th-semester anthropology major. "Look at the pieces, take it in and take it with you. Make a donation, get tested or volunteer. Be aware and think about the 40 million people around the world with AIDS who are also in this country."
Nevers informed those viewing the art to look at the art and reflect upon it. AIDS is an individual, community, national and world-wide concern, she said. Nevers also stressed the need for a more positive message to be send out that not only raises awareness, but celebrates the concerns connected with AIDS. Nevers shared her support for the event and hopes to have ART4AIDS become an annual event.
"The pictures on the wall will change, but the need for awareness is still there," Nevers said.
The artwork provided onlookers with statistics on the pandemic and visual reminders of what it is like to live with HIV/AIDS.
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