2008 Woodie Awards
World AIDS Day: UWT students try it on for size
UWT raised AIDS and HIV awareness and provided free HIV testing.
Daniel Nash
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: Campus News
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World AIDS Day began almost 20 years ago, and 26 years since the first reported case of HIV. Information on the virus is available on television, in movies, from aging rock stars, and in third grade classrooms.
And yet, on a quiz containing the most basic information about the spread of the virus, not one person at University of Washington Tacoma demonstrated complete knowledge of HIV or AIDS.
December 1 is World AIDS Day, but UWT held an event on November 28 to provide students with the facts of HIV, as well as an understanding that the virus is still very relevant. Free HIV testing was also
offered.
The event was held in the GWP atrium, where students were greeted with free red ribbons, wristbands and condoms. Students who investigated further could take a brief quiz regarding the myths and facts of HIV. The quiz was intended to highlight common mistakes people make when thinking about HIV.
AIDS, for example, does not kill those it infects, but rather allows for fatal infections of influenza or pneumonia by weakening the immune system. Blood transfusions are also no longer considered a risk factor for HIV transmission, as long as they are performed in a clinical setting.
"The important thing about these quizzes is that no one has received a perfect score today," said volunteer Russell Harper. For that reason, the four red papered tables set up in the atrium were almost entirely covered with educational pamphlets, ranging from basics on HIV to tips for proper condom use and how to
discuss the infection with a sexual partner.
This is the first year UWT has formally hosted an event for World AIDS day, though the event was carried out in conjunction with multiple third party organizations.
HIV testing was available in the Tacoma Room on the third floor of the GWP, courtesy of the Tacoma Urban League. Participants filled out brief questionnaires while they waited for their turn. Once inside the room, saliva samples were taken on cotton swabs. Then, the student received a retrieval code along with a
And yet, on a quiz containing the most basic information about the spread of the virus, not one person at University of Washington Tacoma demonstrated complete knowledge of HIV or AIDS.
December 1 is World AIDS Day, but UWT held an event on November 28 to provide students with the facts of HIV, as well as an understanding that the virus is still very relevant. Free HIV testing was also
offered.
The event was held in the GWP atrium, where students were greeted with free red ribbons, wristbands and condoms. Students who investigated further could take a brief quiz regarding the myths and facts of HIV. The quiz was intended to highlight common mistakes people make when thinking about HIV.
AIDS, for example, does not kill those it infects, but rather allows for fatal infections of influenza or pneumonia by weakening the immune system. Blood transfusions are also no longer considered a risk factor for HIV transmission, as long as they are performed in a clinical setting.
"The important thing about these quizzes is that no one has received a perfect score today," said volunteer Russell Harper. For that reason, the four red papered tables set up in the atrium were almost entirely covered with educational pamphlets, ranging from basics on HIV to tips for proper condom use and how to
discuss the infection with a sexual partner.
This is the first year UWT has formally hosted an event for World AIDS day, though the event was carried out in conjunction with multiple third party organizations.
HIV testing was available in the Tacoma Room on the third floor of the GWP, courtesy of the Tacoma Urban League. Participants filled out brief questionnaires while they waited for their turn. Once inside the room, saliva samples were taken on cotton swabs. Then, the student received a retrieval code along with a
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