Monday, February 9, 2009
With Valentine’s Day in a few days, people can choose from a variety of gifts to give their sweethearts, including the gift of knowledge. Devin Moss, Memphis graduate student, is hosting an event offering free, non-blood HIV tests for KU faculty, staff and students Tuesday at the Kansas Union.
The free event, “True Love is a Valentine’s Day AIDS Test” is meant to inspire people to get tested for the HIV virus, Moss said.
“I decided on the name because I personally feel the best gift of love is proving to someone that you love them enough to keep them safe and healthy,” Moss said.
The event, hosted by the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, is sponsored by Queers and Allies, OUTLaws and Allies, and the Douglas County AIDS Project. The Douglas County AIDS Project contacted Moss to plan a day when people could take advantage of the free service and get tested.
“I personally get a sense of comfort from individuals knowing their HIV status,” Moss said. “I believe that if you are sexually active or involved in other risky behaviors, you should know your status.”
Sara Schwermer, Spring Hill third-year law student and president of OUTLaws and Allies, said the group was sponsoring the event because it believed education about HIV and AIDS was important to have on any campus and for any individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Schwermer said offering the testing with such easy access meant there was no excuse for not getting tested.
“Unless you know the background of every sexual partner and use protection every time, it could happen to you. Not to frighten anyone, but just go get tested,” Schwermer said. “Personally, it comforts me that people find out good or bad whether they have HIV/AIDS. And god forbid they are infected, they can be careful not to spread it to others.”
Darryl Monteau, Lawrence graduate student, said she thought it was important for students to use resources like AIDS testing, as the opportunities allowed students to gain knowledge and fight against AIDS.
“I do feel that it should be offered at no cost or minimal costs to students if at all possible,” Monteau said. “Unfortunately, students are often oblivious or think they are invincible in the sense that ‘it won’t ever happen to me.’”
The test offered on Tuesday consists of a free oral swab. The test is less intrusive than the common blood test, and completely confidential. People who submit to the test usually find out the results within a week. The Douglas County AIDS Project oversees the results and contacts the people tested individually.
“If you are sexually active, you should want to know your status and your partners’ status as to protect each other,” Moss said. “Being healthy is important and knowing your HIV status will only add to your confidence that you are in good health. It is fun to know your status.”
— — Edited by Liz Schubauer
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