Ohio: Bowling Green State University Group Holds Symposium to Promote HIV Awareness

The Caribbean Association and the Black Student Union teamed up Wednesday to present a daylong symposium on HIV/AIDS at Bowling Green State University. Speakers, including some people living with HIV, discussed prevention, testing, and misconceptions about AIDS.

"It's inspirational to hear individuals who have a positive [HIV] status are still able to live a "normal" life," said Richard Ehrbar, a sophomore telecommunications major.

The campus group Decreasing Discrimination and Stereotypes discussed how stigma affects those with the virus. Ashley Thompson, a senior, said the DDS presentation taught her much about the prejudice surrounding the disease and how many people still cling to false ideas, like believing that sneezing can spread HIV.

DaKysha Moore, a nurse at the University of Toledo Medical Center, discussed the disease's impact on the black community and psychological challenges that place African American students at risk of infection. HIV testing was offered in a room next to the assembly, with results available in 20 minutes.

Anamita Gall, the Caribbean Association's president, said she thinks the symposium was a good vehicle for spreading the HIV prevention message to the students. But because so many infections occur among those ages 15 to 24, she said education efforts must start well before college.

Representatives of the groups said they hope to stage similar programs in the future.

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