Florida State University Block Party Fosters HIV/AIDS Awareness

Phi Beta Sigma's second HIV/AIDS Awareness Block Party, held on July 31 in Florida State University's Union Courtyard, was this year dedicated to a fraternity brother personally affected by the disease. "He has an immediate relative who contracted the virus," said Micah Johnson, past president and the event's founder. "This happened way after the event was planned, but this reinforced it."

Johnson said students need to understand their risk of infection. "Yes, I am a Greek. Yes, I was a football jock. But it should never, under any circumstances, be socially acceptable to practice unprotected sex and put your health at risk," he said.

The local AIDS service organization Big Bend Cares conducted free HIV testing at the event, which also included free pizza, soda, and condoms.

"What college students need to pay attention to is that we live in a state that is third in the nation for HIV cases, and we are first in the nation for HIV infections from heterosexual sex," said Melissa Walton, development director at Big Bend Cares. "If you've ever had unprotected sex, you need to get tested so that you know your status."

The Thagard Student Health Center HIV Clinic took part, as did the radio station Blazin' 102.3. The Leon County Health Department Office of Minority Health was also on hand to provide prevention information.

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