District of Columbia: Student Health Center Pushes HIV Testing Program

Last week, Howard University's Student Service Center kicked off its HIV Testing Initiative, offering students free, confidential testing at their dormitories, with results in 20 minutes. "We try to make a conscious effort to get to the dormitories because we find that more students are willing to take the test because it is more convenient," said Shari Davis, program assistant.

One goal of the CDC-funded initiative is to raise awareness of HIV and how people can contract the disease, said Davis. In addition, with two-thirds of new HIV infections transmitted by people who are unaware of their HIV-positive status, routine testing is an integral element of HIV prevention and treatment strategies.

Howard University was one of four historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) awarded the $276,500 CDC grant for campus testing programs. Among the four grantees, Howard is the only university in an urban setting.

The recent increase in HIV cases among young African Americans at HBCUs mirrors the growing epidemic in the black community. The health center plans to continue testing beyond the grant period, offering it as a part of student's routine health care.

While on duty at the East Towers, Howard junior Miya Cato said the testing went well. "A lot of students took the test, but some didn't because they were scared. However, the consultants were very encouraging. Even couples took the test together," she said.

Back to other news for October 31, 2005