By Ashley Bradley/ne news editor
This semester, TCC will conduct free HIV tests on all campuses except Trinity River, and free syphilis tests will be conducted on NE, SE and South campuses.
AIDS, a chronic, life-threatening condition, is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Because HIV damages the immune system, it interferes with the body’s ability to fight off viruses, bacteria and other fungi that can cause disease.
According to CNN, 39.5 million worldwide have HIV. Although in most countries the spread has slowed, in others it has increased or stayed the same. Experts say the best way to avoid the spread of HIV is prevention, education and treatment, according to CNN.
“Students, particularly young people, don’t always practice safe sex,” said Pat Marling, NE health services coordinator. “It’s important to treat it right away if you do have it. We are here to provide service to all students.”
Almost 19 million new sexually transmitted infections occur each year, and nearly half of those affect 15- to 24-year-olds.
“I am glad they are doing free testing,” said NE student Garrett Lawrence. “People our age don’t like being safe, and this will help them make sure they are healthy in areas such as these.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STDs not only affect individuals’ health but also the economy. Such circumstances cost the U.S. health care system as much as $15.3 billion annually.
If people with such diseases catch them early on, they have a 50 percent chance of reducing risks, like fatality, and will end up spending less money on medical bills.
Although students can contact the campus health department and schedule a free test, AIDS Outreach will also accept walk-ins.
The tests are confidential, and results will be given one week after test has been taken.
“There’s always a tinge of shame when taking any STD test, but at least if they take them on their campus, then people might feel like less of an alien,” NE student Brandon Wimmer said.
NE Campus will conduct tests 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 4. and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 2 all in NSTU 1704.
On NW Campus, students can test 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 21, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 18 all in WTLD 4104C.
South Campus has scheduled testing noon-4 p.m. Sept. 21, noon-4 p.m. Oct. 19 and noon-4 p.m. Nov. 16 all in SACC 1306.
SE Campus health services will provide testing Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2. Locations will be announced at a later date.
For more information, call health services on the campus of choice: NE Campus 817-515-6222, NW Campus 817-515-7790, South Campus 817-515-4531 for South, SE Campus 817-515-3591 and Trinity River Campus 817-515-1059.
