AIDS education is responsibility for all

Our Word
Daily Egyptian

There have been more than 26,200 reported cases of AIDS reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health between January 1981 and December 2001.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, multiplying the number of reported cases by nine would show a more accurate number of HIV cases. That startling statistic shows just how many go unreported.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which can lead to AIDS, can be contracted through high-risk activities such as sharing drug needles or having sex with a HIV-infected person.

AIDS Awareness Week began Monday at the Student Center in conjunction with World AIDS Day. Special Programs and Center Events have devoted an entire week because they know how important the subject is.

Condoms are one way to reduce the risk of contracting HIV. Earlier this year, a columnist suggested that bars offer condoms to their guests.

But they do, according to HIV Prevention Coordinator Paula Clark. The Jackson County Health Department supplies many area bars, tanning salons and cafes with a bulk supply of condoms and condom kits every two weeks. She explained the columnist might not have seen the condoms because many of the establishments run out within a few days of receiving them.

The condom kits include information packets on HIV, testing and condoms.

Such a service is great, but the Health Department shouldn't have to be the condom provider for the campus. We would hope that seeing these condoms in bars, people would take them but also remember the kits from the bar the night before and purchase their own.

Condoms are not a surefire way to prevent contracting HIV, however. The Health Department offers free, confidential testing every first and third Thursday at the Newman Catholic Center and every second and fourth Thursday at Longbranch Coffeehouse.

The worry that these environments may not be as sterile as a hospital is no longer necessary thanks to a new needle-free test, Ora-sure.

Also on Monday, Gov. Rod Blagojevich pledged $1 million to AIDS education. The General Assembly approved another $5.1 million of federal money to go towards the AIDS Drug Assistance Program.

This program helps Illinois residents pay for drugs to treat the virus. This can be needed relief because medications can range from $1,000 to $3,000 a month.

Getting tested is not a death sentence. But if people do not get tested and do have the virus, they may live a longer life because the combination of catching the virus early in its term and drugs to treat it can greatly increase a person's chance to live a longer, happier life.

If the test comes back positive, the HIV Care Consortium, which is also a part of the Health Department, offers many programs to help people cope with the news and live a normal life. This program was established to let people know they are not alone.

Displays and speakers are being features at the Student Center all week, including a lecture from former Playboy magazine model Rebekka Armstrong, who is living with the disease.

We could all learn something from this week whether it be about condoms, the disease or how to help. HIV can be prevented if people make wise decisions. Condoms are only one way of prevention. AIDS does not discriminate, and we can never know enough about it.

Copyright 2009 - Daily Egyptian