UHS Plans Events Commemorating World AIDS Day
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 23, 2011) - University Health Service, in conjunction with AIDS Volunteers Inc. and the UK Student Activities Board, will present several activities next week in recognition of World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day, held on Dec. 1 each year, provides an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV while showing their support of people living with HIV and remembering those who have died. World AIDS Day, first held in 1988, was the first ever global health day.
At the University of Kentucky, organizers hope to make students and the public aware that HIV is still as prevalent today as it was when World AIDS Day began.
"Each year in Kentucky, an average of one person is infected with HIV every day," said Brandy Reeves, health education coordinator for University Health Services. "We want students and others in the UK community to remember that HIV is still a real problem not just in Kentucky, but in the world. We hope that, through this week's events, that will happen."
On Monday, beginning at 8 a.m., volunteers will place 365 red ribbons in front on the Main Building (facing Limestone Street) to symbolize the Kentuckians affected each year. Condoms and red ribbons will also be distributed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Student Center Starbucks.
Other events during the week include:
- Free condoms and ribbons from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the Student Center Starbucks.
- A HIV/AIDS panel discussion at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, in the Student Center Theater. Experts will discuss HIV/AIDS and will provide students with information on what they can do to help lower their risk for HIV. A question and answer discussion will be included.
- Free HIV testing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, in Commons 306A and 308 A&B. Testing does not involve needles. Results will be available within 20 minutes.
- Free HIV testing from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in Student Center 359 and 363.
In addition, a portion of the national AIDS Memorial Quilt is also on display in the Rasdall Gallery of the Student Center through Dec. 8. The panels include those of Kentuckians affected by HIV. A reception for the quilt display will take place from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 1.