AIDS/HIV remains an important social issue for many

Elon Cares sponsors week-long events focused on AIDS/HIV awareness

Bridget Holmstrom / Reporter

AIDS night at the bar? A “Condom Carnival?” Who knew college could be so exciting and educational at the same time? Last week was AIDS Awareness week and students were getting down and dirty learning facts about AIDS/HIV.

One in 500 college students have the HIV virus, according to the campus organization Elon Cares. Half of all new cases of HIV are among youth from ages 15 to 24. With this and other information distributed throughout last week, Elon Cares is asking students: How aware are you?

The week started on April 4 with a presentation about the basic facts concerning AIDS/HIV.

Tuesday night was AIDS/HIV night … at the bar. Yes, West End bar was open to the public, with a $2 cover charge for those over 21 and a $4 cover for those underage. Pitchers were $3 and food, karaoke and even a raffle were the high points of the night. Proceeds went to AIDS/HIV organizations both locally and globally.

The “Condom Carnival” took place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m, Wednesday evening in the Zone. The games all focused on making students more aware about AIDS and HIV and also looked at safe sex.

Thursday morning there was an opportunity for students to get free, confidential HIV testing at the health center. Later that night, Elon Cares hosted Elon’s weekly Midnight Meals in the Zone. They had a sex trivia game show and a band performance.

Finally on Saturday, Saturday Nite Live focused on the Battle for Awareness, including a battle of the bands.

Periclean Scholars supported AIDS/HIV awareness week, a cause that they traditionally support. “AIDS awareness week is a great way for students to learn about one of the primary medical and social concerns facing Elon, North Carolina and the world,” said Becky Schrier, a Periclean Scholar.

The Scholars explained that the week was meant as a way to teach students about how AIDS affects their community. Schrier went on to say, “Through the various activities this week students learned how AIDS has become genocide by neglect around the world. Students learned ways to prevent HIV and what to do if they believe they could be affected.”

Contact Bridget Holmstrom at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.

Facts about AIDS:

- Every minute, 11 people are infected with HIV, the AIDS virus.

-More than 42 million people are living with AIDS/HIV worldwide.

- In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, 50% of people living with AIDS/HIV were infected during the past two years.

- 28.1 million Africans now live with HIV.

Compiled from www.acdi-cida.gc.ca.