University of South Carolina Frat Brings HIV Testing Lab to Campus

On Monday, University of South Carolina students were offered free HIV testing and counseling in front of Russell House. The testing event, held inside a mobile unit, was organized by the Alpha Phi Alpha-Beta Nu chapter fraternity and The Tie that Binds, part of the South Carolina African-American HIV/AIDS Council.

Between 11:45 a.m. and 2 p.m., the outreach brought HIV testing to students who might not otherwise seek an HIV test. Students who wanted to get tested first filled out a sexual history survey with a counselor's help. Then the students were given a finger-prick rapid HIV test and a number, with test results available in about 15 minutes. Outside the van were pamphlets about HIV/AIDS, other STDs, safe sex, and a basket of free condoms.

Door prizes were also being offered, including a toaster, a lamp, and a portable CD player. Advertising was largely word-of-mouth; a sign on the trailer said in bold, red letters, "Get Tested."

"It's very discreet," said Jeremiah Faver, the chapter's vice president. "They do the blood tests right in the trailer. People can either wait around here or maybe go get something to eat," he said. Faver said the fraternity wants to make HIV testing an annual event.

"So far we've had about 15 or 16 people to get tested," said Faver. "We expect about 20 to 25 people over the day. I'm planning on getting testing myself later."

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