University of Nebraska Health Center Offers HIV Testing at Each Appointment

Under a new program, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is offering free HIV testing to students receiving routine care at University Health Center (UHC). At the conclusion of their appointment, whether for physicals or illness, students receive a pamphlet titled, "The risk is not knowing. Get Tested!" The free HIV test is available to everyone whose student fees have been paid.

Previously, students were able to access HIV testing under a grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, though they were charged, said Lee Heerten, a special project assistant at UHC. That state grant ended in December, so the center began "to think of new ways to do HIV testing," said Heerten.

The program launched in January is funded by UHC, ensuring it will be free to students. "'Free' catches people's attention," said Linda Rizijs, director of nursing for UHC. Of 360 people offered HIV screening, 116 accepted. Students who elect to undergo testing are sent upstairs to a lab, where their blood is drawn. While results can be available in as soon as one hour, UHC recommends a 24-hour waiting period.

The center initially tried offering the testing via a form whereby students would check yes or no. However, they found that "when we recommend HIV testing for students, they are far more likely to use it," said Heerten.

Back to other news for April 2009