HAVE YOU BEEN TESTED?

Various UConn groups performed and participated in events last week, acknowledging World AIDS's Week and shedding awareness of the pandemic the disease has become.

Throughout the week, Health Services tabled in South, Northwest and North dining halls, offered students information and handouts on statistics, how to protect themselves and other useful advice regarding HIV/AIDS. Students were also given the option of free HIV testing on Monday, provided by Windham AIDS Program, according to Joleen Nevers, the UConn Health Education coordinator.

"It is really important to get tested and to live knowing whether or not you have AIDS," said Carla Aldana, a 5th-semester English major. "Not testing yourself or having your partner get tested is scary."

Wednesday evening in the Student Union, Health Education collaborated with students, faculty and staff to present ART4AIDS, which displayed a visual representation of the effects of living with AIDS. Each artist provided a message that accompanied their art, conveying what the underlining meaning of their individual pieces of art.

"It's more than just awareness," said Samati Niyomchai, a 5th-semester anthropology major. "Look at the pieces, take it in and take it with you. Make a donation, get tested or volunteer. Be aware and think about the 40 million people around the world with AIDS who are also in this country."

Nevers informed those viewing the art to look at the art and reflect upon it. AIDS is an individual, community, national and world-wide concern, she said. Nevers also stressed the need for a more positive message to be send out that not only raises awareness, but celebrates the concerns connected with AIDS. Nevers shared her support for the event and hopes to have ART4AIDS become an annual event.

"The pictures on the wall will change, but the need for awareness is still there," Nevers said.

The artwork provided onlookers with statistics on the pandemic and visual reminders of what it is like to live with HIV/AIDS.

"I learned a lot of information about AIDS that I didn't know before from the captions underneath the art," said Sharayah Weir, a 7th-semester linguistics and psychology double major. "I also think it's good to bring a positive message to the situation, which will invite more people to listen. People will avoid it if its only negative but putting a positive spin on it will get more people's attention. We have to stress the positive, but not override the negative. I am glad to see the flip side of the coin for a change."

The a capella group Shir Modulation performed at the opening of ART4AIDS, providing the audience with an array of songs that put a spotlight on the pandemic.

"It is great everyone is helping to raise awareness and put effort into creating art for the cause," said Melissa Marsh, a 4th-semester accounting major and member of Shir Modulation.

Other activities throughout the week included a vigil on Thursday night with accompanying performances by the a capella groups Ruby Fruit and A Minor. The Condom-a-thon also took place at UConn late night. Members of Health Education provided students with safer sex skills to try to prevent the contraction of HIV/AIDS.

Each dollar that was raised at the Condon-a-thon will be donated to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, which provides camps for children with serious and life threatening illnesses. More information about the camp can be found on their website, www.holeinthewallcamps.org.

Contact Lindsay Fetzner at

Lindsay.Fetzner@UConn.edu.