2008 Woodie Awards
Campus groups spread awareness on AIDS day
Jessica Bakeman
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: FUSE
Originally published: 11/29/07 at 6:38 PM EST
Last update: 11/29/07 at 6:36 PM EST
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When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, fear and ignorance can often overcome compassion for those affected.
However, a few groups on campus are making it clear that those suffering from HIV/AIDS will not be forgotten.
In fact, they will be uplifted.
Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day, and some Plattsburgh State students have taken the opportunity to spread awareness about the disease.
First of all, it is important to know the details of how it is transmitted, how it affects the body specifically and how to prevent contraction of the disease.
Fuerza, a group dedicated to the unification and advancement of black and latino students, has organized an event on Monday, Dec. 3 to educate PSUC students.
Fuerza has asked speakers from the AIDS Council to put on the educational workshop.
The speakers will discuss the dangers of contracting AIDS, and the effect it has had on people here in the North Country.
Fuerza President Myasia Butler believes very strongly in the need for greater student awareness.
"It is important especially for students to be educated because when you use alcohol and drugs, which I am sure is prevalent on campus, you become more susceptible to contract HIV/AIDS, as well as other STDs," she said. "Students need to be aware."
The workshop will take place from 3-5 p.m. Monday in the Amnesty Room in the Angell College Center.
Directly following the session, the council will offer free HIV testing in the health center.
This service is actually given once a month, but Butler says she worries that very few students know about it.
"I had never heard of it," she said. "I don't know if other students have."
She said the workshop will help to make more students aware of the resources available to them.
As well as learning how to protect oneself, PSUC students will have the opportunity to learn about those who are struggling with the illness.
S.O.U.L. and ONE have teamed up in the effort to educate. Freshman Erica Olmstead, co-chair of S.O.U.L., said that there are many myths and stereotypes that surround AIDS.
However, a few groups on campus are making it clear that those suffering from HIV/AIDS will not be forgotten.
In fact, they will be uplifted.
Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day, and some Plattsburgh State students have taken the opportunity to spread awareness about the disease.
First of all, it is important to know the details of how it is transmitted, how it affects the body specifically and how to prevent contraction of the disease.
Fuerza, a group dedicated to the unification and advancement of black and latino students, has organized an event on Monday, Dec. 3 to educate PSUC students.
Fuerza has asked speakers from the AIDS Council to put on the educational workshop.
The speakers will discuss the dangers of contracting AIDS, and the effect it has had on people here in the North Country.
Fuerza President Myasia Butler believes very strongly in the need for greater student awareness.
"It is important especially for students to be educated because when you use alcohol and drugs, which I am sure is prevalent on campus, you become more susceptible to contract HIV/AIDS, as well as other STDs," she said. "Students need to be aware."
The workshop will take place from 3-5 p.m. Monday in the Amnesty Room in the Angell College Center.
Directly following the session, the council will offer free HIV testing in the health center.
This service is actually given once a month, but Butler says she worries that very few students know about it.
"I had never heard of it," she said. "I don't know if other students have."
She said the workshop will help to make more students aware of the resources available to them.
As well as learning how to protect oneself, PSUC students will have the opportunity to learn about those who are struggling with the illness.
S.O.U.L. and ONE have teamed up in the effort to educate. Freshman Erica Olmstead, co-chair of S.O.U.L., said that there are many myths and stereotypes that surround AIDS.
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