by Leslie Rasimas
Staff Writer
“AIDS rarely makes the front page anymore. We’ve become
complacent in the last 8-10 years because of new treatments, but
we need to continue to remind students of the risks,” Director
of Student Health Services Dr. Patricia A. Geiger said.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
cases have increased in college students over the past three years,
Geiger said.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in February
released a memorandum on HIV outbreaks among college students in
North Carolina.
According to the memo, at least 84 college students were diagnosed
with HIV between January 2000 and December 2003. Eighty-seven percent
of students diagnosed were black males.
Thirty-seven North Carolina colleges and universities were identified
in connection to the outbreak, and seven colleges in five other
Southeastern states have been linked to the outbreak, according
to the memo.
“Students [at Appalachian State University] are no different
from students all over the Southeast. North Carolina is not the
only state with a problem, but prevention is the key to curbing
more outbreaks,” Geiger said.
The NC Department of Health and Human Services will work with the
NC Division of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control
to increase prevention efforts and create a safe environment for
populations at risk for HIV infection, according to the memo.
Geiger said unprotected intercourse and intravenous drug use puts
students at a high risk for contracting HIV.
“It’s not the people with HIV I worry about as much
as those who are at risk and don’t know it. The highest risk
is for those receptive partners of anal intercourse,” she
said.
Geiger said Appalachian is the first university in North Carolina
to work with the state for HIV testing. The Watauga County Health
Department, located at 126 Poplar Grove Connector, provides free
HIV tests for students.
Registered nurse Sandy Hagler is a communicable disease nurse and
HIV counselor for the Watauga County Health Department.
“Some people come here very concerned and worried. I can reassure
someone by knowing if they participate in risky behaviors or not,
and explain exactly how HIV is contracted,” Hagler said.
After a blood test, results take approximately 10 days, she said.
“As far as I know, there have been 100 percent negative results
for [Appalachian] students,” Hagler said.
Students can make appointments for an HIV test with the secretary
of Health Services, 262-6577, or the Health Department, 264-6635.
Hagler said students are tested on Thursdays from 8-11 a.m., and
1-4 p.m.
Watauga County Health Department provides brochures on HIV testing
and counseling for students who want more information.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re white, black,
gay or straight, everyone is at risk for HIV, and we must act now,”
Geiger said.
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