By Jack Wynn
Students gathered for free, rapid HIV tests at the University of Maryland Health Center on Wednesday.
Pairing with the community health organization Heart to Hand, the UMD Health Center organized a two-hour period where community members, particularly students, could show up for a first come, first served anonymous HIV test.
In what was the second event of its kind, nearly two dozen students showed up to get tested after only seven came to the first event in late October.
“The increase in the numbers speaks volumes in itself,” said Chiquita Lane, manager of community engagement and district care at Heart to Hand. “[It showed] there are people interested on campus in knowing their status.”
This event made tests for other STIs gonorrhea and chlamydia available to students as well. There is hope that future events will continue to expand the range of STI tests available.
After initially suggesting testing for HIV annually, the CDC has changed their recommendation to every 3-6 months both due to the increase in its spread and to help people get in front of it as quickly as possible.
“Early detection leads to early treatment, and that only yields longevity of life. HIV is no longer a death sentence,” Lane explained. “We just want you to know your status so that you can live and maintain a healthy life.”
Besides the benefits of providing students with the opportunity to test for illnesses, this event also served as a method of promoting the Health Center’s services across campus.
Individual events promoting HIV testing are helpful, but the Health Center also has its own STI express test clinic that students can schedule appointments with as needed.
“We really want to create the kind of environment that allows people to feel comfortable asking for what they need.” said Miriam Levitin, sexual health program assistant coordinator at the Health Center.
The Health Center’s partnership with Heart to Hand is a helpful way to create more awareness on campus. Lane discussed how for many students, having unfamiliar faces handle STI testing is a benefit. Otherwise, many people get uncomfortable and are less likely to know their status.
Outside of STIs, the Health Center also provides comprehensive services in both medical and behavioral health. For instance, there are plenty of available programs, resources and educational opportunities in the fields of mental health, sexual health, substance use, nutrition and harm reduction.
“We might not be the final destination but we hope that we’ll be the first stop,” Levitin said. “We’re a really great start for people who are looking to explore their wellness, get connected to resources.”
Levitin also explained that many students who rely on the Health Center have not been in many medical situations without the support of their parents. The doctors and nurses at the Health Center consider this as they try to create a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
“[The Health Center Staff] do a pretty good job making it convenient,” said junior mechanical engineering major Matthew Mueller.
The Health Center has emphasized that students should take advantage of the convenient and free resources available to them. One could never be too careful when it comes to testing for STIs like HIV.
“If you are sexually active in any way, using any parts of your body, then you are susceptible to contracting HIV,” Lane stated. “HIV does not discriminate on race or age so if you are sexually active, if you are one who utilizes injection drugs, know your status and get tested.”
Featured Image: A student walks into the Health Center in 2022. Photo by Olivia Borgula.