HIV/AIDS event promotes student awareness

The annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day took place February 7, 2008, and in its honor, the Office of African American Student Services and Programs coupled with Caribbean Students Association to host Georgia States own annual awareness event.

These two organizations came together to sponsor a forum for Georgia State students, hoping to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, along with providing information about contraception and ways to get tested. Both of these organizations are minority based, promoting unity and education amongst its African American and Caribbean/West Indian students.

Now in its eighth annual year, NBHAAD, which began as awareness for education, prevention and involvement, has become an international program celebrated amongst school, churches, and community businesses around the world. With African Americans having the highest rates of HIV/AIDS, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this type of program could have a large impact on the community.

This year's theme for NBHAAD is "Prevention Is Power", which was established by the Strategic Leadership Council, a team consisting of eight AIDS/HIV prevention organizations across the country. The organization has attracted many big names throughout the African American community, with Angela Bassett, Colin Powell, Tatyana Ali, and Atlanta's own Dr. Creflo Dollar as some of this year's spokespeople.

GSU's forum on NBHAAD was accompanied by a program last month entitled "Steps of Intimacy," created by Terrell Monroe, a Student Development Specialist and former head of OAASSP for the last two years. Monroe, responsible for other interactive workshops such as "Is Your Bed Crowded," created Steps of Intimacy to provide a break down of the initial steps of eye contact, all the way to intercourse.

Monroe's 19 steps give an in depth look into socialization and relationships patterns, preparing one for what their interactions can lead up to. These forums and programs, according to Monroe, usually attract about 40 to 50 students, leaving room for many more to participate in the up coming years.

NBHAAD is a very beneficial event to the African American community, as well as others, promoting education and awareness to ensure longevity in the lives of everyone. Once the community has become well informed and protected, the rates can begin to decrease and the day can become a focus upon a cure for HIV/AIDS. For information of this annual event, and ways to get yourself and your community involved, the website for NBHAAD is www.blackaidsday.org.