Candace Chambers
Blue & White Flash / News Editor
Knockout! The fight against HIV and AIDS will be underway at the World AIDS Day Carnival on Sat. Dec. 1, 2012. Jackson State University will gather to inform students about these sexually transmitted diseases, which have a dramatic impact on people worldwide, especially those of the African American community.
The event will be held on the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway from 2-5 p.m. If inclement weather should occur, it will take place in the Jacob L. Reddix General Purpose Room.
Students will be able to enjoy giveaways, free food, games, a “Greater Than AIDS Photo Booth,” with music provided by a live DJ. Most importantly, rapid HIV testing will be available, free of charge.
Victoria Coleman, Assistant Director of the JSU Health Center and advisor of T.R.O.O.P., stated that World AIDS Day is an event for everyone to spread and learn information about HIV and AIDS as a community to have a bigger impact.
“HIV and AIDS is something adults should be aware of, especially those of the African American community and students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It is important to be aware of the statistics of HIV/AIDS.”
Coleman added, “The message is “Join the Fight,” for everyone to come together as one and work together to help everyone be aware. Students can learn the risk factors and how there are so many options for testing and how to remain aware by knowing your status, not for one day, but throughout the year.”
World AIDS Day was first held in 1988 to bring people together worldwide to increase awareness of the pandemic. The day has been celebrated every year since then on Dec. 1. Campaigns and programs have formed, such as We>AIDS and President Obama’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy, for all communities of people from African-Americans to gay men, two groups that have a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases.
HIV is an acronym for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The antibodies of the sexually transmitted disease attack the white blood cells of the immune system in the body. AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is the last stage of HIV.
In June of 1981, the first cases of what would later be called AIDS were conveyed. Aids.gov reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one million people are living with HIV in the U.S. One in five (20%) of those people living with HIV is unaware of their infection.
The CDC also reports that of the 46 states with confidential name based reporting, Mississippi had the 7th highest rate for HIV infection in 2010. African-Americans are the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV.More than 619,000 people have died since the detection of AIDS.
JSU HIV/AIDS awareness groups T.R.O.O.P., Project S.A.F.E., and the Division of Student Life, have teamed up to observe World AIDS Day and promote awareness.
Peer health educator for Project S.A.F.E, Lakeitha Brown, a junior elementary education major from Baton Rouge, La., said that it is essential that peer health educators fill the blank for students at JSU to help fight and stop the spread of HIV/AIDS because of its direct effects on the community.
“As a peer health educator for Project S.A.F.E., it is important that we spread our knowledge to others who may not be aware of how it is spread and what the risks of engaging in risky behavior can lead too,” said Brown.
Some JSU students feel that World AIDS day is a great way to inform people about HIV/AIDS.
Shavella Wynne, a senior social work major from Jackson, Miss, said, “I think it will draw a lot of people as they walk by on the plaza and will provide them with information.”
Jarrett Simmons, a junior computer engineering major from Jackson, Miss. shared similar views.
“It gets the idea out there. The event educates people about the risks,” said Simmons.
Tia Magee, a junior social work major from Magnolia, Miss., believes that the campus needs more events like World AIDS Day.
“They should have more seminars about HIV/AIDS and more announcements,” said Magee.
To become more involved in the global conversation about AIDS on Dec.1, twitter users can use the hashtag #WAD2012 and include @GreaterThanAIDS to be retweeted. Profiles can be customized on Facebook with World AIDS day themes from Greater than AIDS.
Be First to Comment