AIC Students to Hold HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Events

Springfield, MA, February 08, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Students at American International College in Springfield, Mass., will be hosting HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, "Know Your Status," Wednesday, February 12. Events are planned throughout the day aimed at educating students about the basics of HIV and AIDS.

Keshawn Dodds, Director of Diversity and Community Engagement at AIC, said there are four specific focal points: Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved, and Get Treated. "Testing is at the core of this initiative and is critical for prevention of HIV. For those who have HIV, the connections to treatment and care services are paramount. Seeing a doctor and receiving care, and taking prescribed HIV medicines helps individuals stay healthy and reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Without treatment, HIV leads to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and can lead to early death."

From 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., students from various clubs and organizations will be handing out information sheets outside of the AIC snack bar in the Campus Center. Also at 10:00 a.m., there will be an HIV/AIDS Awareness Session in the Bradley Room, hosted by AIC Theater director Frank Borelli.

Tapestry Health, a family planning and reproductive health services agency, will provide free on-site HIV testing from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

"I am happy that the AIC campus community is involved in making this such a positive event," Dodds said. "This will help to educate our students about sex education and STD testing and why it is so important."

The events are sponsored by P.R.I.D.E. (Persons Ready in Defense of Ebony), the Office of Diversity & Community Engagement, Residence Life, Theater Arts and Health Services at AIC.