April 28, 2006

SGAC sponsors ‘Get Tested Week’

By KAYLA L. REILAND
reilandk@marietta.edu

Fifteen to twenty-four year olds account for more than HALF of all new HIV infections worldwide as a result of higher rates of risk-taking behavior. More than 6,000 15-24 year olds become infected with HIV everyday; that’s 4 Marietta College campuses per day.

The Student Global AIDS Campaign at Marietta College is sponsoring “Get Tested! Week” from Sunday, April 30 to Saturday, May 6.

Events scheduled during “Get Tested! Week” are as follows:

• Sunday, April 30: Carwash 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Hermann Parking Lot. Suggested minimum donation is $5.

• Monday, May 1: Candlelight Vigil 7:30 p.m. outside of the Hermann Fine Arts Building. The local Names Project Panel will also be on display.

• Tuesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 4: FREE, CONFIDENTIAL HIV TESTING 7-10 p.m., in Andrew’s Hall. The test requires an oral swab, NOT BLOOD. Testing and counseling services are being provided by the Washington County Health Department. Results will be available in twenty minutes.

• Saturday, May 6: Battle of the Bands HIV/AIDS Music Benefit: 8 p.m. in the Gathering Place. There is a $2 Entrance Fee. A bonfire will follow in the Hermann Bowl.

Having testing on campus for students is a large accomplishment. Unfortunately, there is a very negative stigma associated with taking an HIV test. Some people think that by taking the test they are admitting they have done something wrong. That is not necessarily the case.

HIV does not discriminate. It can infect anyone. We are hoping to get as much participation as possible from the Marietta community, as well as the MC student body. In addition, all individuals who get tested will receive tickets for our raffle auction. The raffle will be held on May 6 at the benefit concert.