Forum provides free testing, information about STDs

Do you know your HIV and STD status?

If you attended the HIV/AIDS Awareness Forum Nov. 3 in the Thompson Center, you would have been able to get that information and more.

The forum not only included free HIV testing, but also games and discussions focusing on risky sexual behavior.

Stickers with the phrases "I have HIV," or "I have been tested, but I am unsure of my status," were randomly placed under chairs to symbolize that anyone can become infected with HIV/AIDS. Students who found stickers under their seats were asked to stand and reflect on how they felt about their "status."

Students were also asked to complete a survey about their sexual experiences and behaviors.

"I wanted to host an event that would shine a light on one of the major epidemics on our campus," said Amilca O'Conner, event coordinator.

"Many people are unaware that once you acquire one sexually transmitted disease, like Chlamydia, or Trichomoniasis you become more susceptible to contracting HIV," O'Conner said.

O'Conner is a senior rehabilitation studies major from Raleigh. She is Miss Senior 2011 and a member of the Ralph Bunche Society.           

Director of Student Development Natasha Jeffreys led the discussion "Why College Students Are Not Staying Protected," and emphasized the importance of knowing STD/HIV status and knowing the risks of not practicing safe sex.

"I was delighted to speak at the seminar," Jeffreys said. "The overall goal [of the seminar] was to encourage students who are sexually active to use condoms in order to reduce the spread of HIV and STDs on college campuses and specifically Winston-Salem State University."

Students asked Jeffreys questions about misconceptions, myths, and personal concerns.

"I learned a lot about the many STDs that thrive on college campuses, mostly because people are not aware of risks, and do not know they are infected," said Jhazzmine Jacobs, junior psychology major from Charlotte.

"My friends and I all took advantage of the free HIV testing."

While many female students were in attendance, the number of males in the audience was below the expectations of the event sponsors.

"I wish the turn-out would have consisted of more males," said Alan Sturdivant, who worked closely with O'Conner to organize of the seminar.

"The silent killers, like Chlamydia, affect a lot of men, so the ones who really need the knowledge were not really in attendance like we would have liked."  Sturdivant is a senior music education major from Charlotte and also a member of the senior class council.

"The hardest part was waiting for the outcome," O'Conner said. "I was unsure how the students would respond to the activities, Mrs. Jeffreys' presentation, or even how many would attend," she said.

"The success of the seminar most certainly superseded my expectations."