The University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs is partnering with LSU Health Promotions for the LSU Geaux RED event to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Baton Rouge in the Student Union and Free Speech Alley from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5.
Baton Rouge is No. 1 in the U.S. for new HIV cases, a statistic that makes HIV and AIDS education relevant to University students, said LGBTQ Project Coordinator Chad Freeman.
The event’s themes are Greater Visibility, Educate Yourself, Know Your Status and Get Involved, and they are embodied through the day’s opportunities, which are available to all students.
“Wear red. Get tested,” Freeman said. “We want to bring as much attention to the issue as we can.”
Last year, LSU Health Promotions held HIV testing at the East and West Campus Apartments and serviced approximately 70 students, but this year’s event will be at the Student Union to bring testing and other free activities to the center of campus, Freeman said.
While World AIDS Day is observed internationally this Saturday, the University is marking the anniversary on a weekday to bring greater attention to the issue.
“This year marks 31 years that the U.S. has been living with AIDS,” Freeman said.
The free HIV tests, consisting of a simple oral swab, will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Union’s Orleans and Ouachita Rooms.
“We want to increase the number of students tested this year,” Freeman said.
A panel discussion with speakers from the Baton Rouge community will inform students about what living and working with HIV is like.
Organizations like Family Service of Greater Baton Rouge, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and Volunteers of America will be represented on the panel.
University volunteers from LSU VOX, Spectrum and Sigma Lambda Gamma will man tables in Free Speech Alley all day to distribute handouts promoting awareness and information about how to keep the University HIV free.
Additional information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.
‘We want to bring as much attention to the issue as we can.’
