World AIDS Day success!

World AIDS Day today was a fabulous success- we gave out ribbons and condoms in the GSU Link all day, sold goodies for our Bake Sale, and so many people showed up to get tested we had to tell them to come back tomorrow!

Here's DM's Michelle Markle with the official World AIDS Day shirts at BU:



The Community Service Center's Project Hope did a great job organizing an informational and collaborative event! And there's still more to come tomorrow.

But first, here are some things we talked about at the panel: The Face of AIDS in Boston.

--Different levels of progress in fighting AIDS among different populations in Boston
...Boston is a great city to be in if you are HIV positive, many resources
...prevention and outreach methods should be different in different communities
...members of a community reaching out to their own neighbors and friends is successfull

--The AIDS vaccine
...is still a long way off
...we're taking small steps in the right direction

--Side effects of antiretroviral drugs can vary, but are horrible (vivid dreams, rashes, swelling of body fat, etc.)

--Making the HIV test more routine
...experts disagree
...making it more routine could remove the stigma?
...but counseling that accompanies the HIV test is CRUCIAL, and not something emergency rooms can perform

--The stigma against HIV positive population is still a HUGE problem
...learn more tomorrow with former Camp Heartland campers
...GSU Conference Auditorium, 7 pm