Leslie Hitchcock, Staff Writer

This Halloween, students at Appalachian State University can get free HIV testing on campus  in addition to free candy. For the first time, in conjunction with the Mountain AIDS Support Council (MASC), the Mary S. Shook Health Service Department will provide free HIV testing for students this Friday.

All HIV tests are done privately to ensure confidentiality, said Director of Health Services Dr. William A. Derrick.

The test has several components, Derrick said.

HIV tests begin with  “pre-test interviews,” which involve a discussion of risk factors associated with HIV and with the testing process, said Derrick.

Following the interview, a blood sample is taken and shipped to a state laboratory where results are read, he said.

The results take approximately one week to return, said Derrick.

After receiving the results, all tested are encouraged to undergo a “post-test conference,” in which test results and limitations are discussed, said Derrick.

“The students who get tested will receive their results separate from their current health record,” he said.

This separation ensures privacy in future years if student health records are released to an insurance company after graduation, Derrick said.

Nurse practitioner and MASC board member, Myra Jane Zeller feels that more students will take advantage of the testing offered since it is offered on a walk-in basis.

“Students are more likely to get tested if they don’t have to make an appointment,” she said.

Nurses from the Watagua County Health Department will be on hand to counsel students who come for testing, said Zeller.

Of her organization, Zeller said that MASC is a volunteer organization through the United Way that offers both financial and emotional support to HIV-positive patients.

MASC assists with medical expenses as well as food, shelter and clothing, she said.

In the event that students cannot make the testing opportunity Friday, University Health Services and the Watauga County Health Department offer free HIV tests every other week.

However, these testing opportunities require an appointment, Zeller said.

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