Since its establishment by the World Health Organization n 1988, World Aids Day has served as an opportunity for communities to come together in the fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Locally, California State University, Stanislaus is gathering students, faculty, and staff from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday for their World AIDS Day activities. During the event, visitors will learn the facts about HIV and AIDS, understand how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and become familiar with resources that are available to them in the greater community.
“Along with the main purposes of this event, we also want students and employees to become aware of the reality of living with HIV today,” said health educator Megan Rowe.
According to Rowe, Wednesday’s event comes as a result of the collaborative efforts between many departments and organizations. Specifically, the event will include representatives from the Student Health Center, faculty from the Master of Social Work Department and the Kinesiology Department, as well as Associated Students Inc. and University Student Union.
Also included are Peer Health Educators, oSTEM, Love Evolution, the Kinesiology Club, and the UMOJA.
For their philanthropy, Omega Nu Omega will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers, and red ribbons during the event. All proceeds made from sales will go towards Community Impact Central Valley.
In addition to the different booths providing interactive educational activities surrounding HIV and AIDS, the campus will be taking a human red ribbon picture at 12:05 p.m. in the quad. According to Rowe, those who are being photographed do not need to be wearing red, although it is encouraged in order to raise awareness.
Despite the event’s conclusion at 2 p.m., the campus will also host the movie “Dallas Buyers Club” at 5:30 p.m. in the event center. A showing exclusively for students, the event will be free.