Ashley Gallardo
Staff Writer
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently called on everyone between ages of 13 and 64 to be screened for HIV in an attempt to become more on top of this epidemic in the USA. The Pepperdine Health Center offers free HIV testing twice a year, and will soon post the date for the spring semester screening.
To become more aware of the reasons why the CDC believes widespread screening is so important log onto: www.cdc.gov. This website explains why the CDC believes that by strongly implementing this testing for everyone, that more people will become aware that they have HIV before they begin experiencing symptoms. Also, a routine testing communicates that we are all in this together and no one is feeling singled out by going in to get tested.
Most people seem to believe that screening is a good thing. “I would support it because I’m sure that it was a research-based decision,” said Patty Gates, the mother of a Pepperdine graduate. “I have a lot of respect for the work the CDC does. If this will save lives and make people feel less targeted then I think it’s a good policy.”
That is exactly why the CDC has decided to implement this testing to people as young as 13. The CDC is making a new push to get the virus under control.
“I think with the epidemic that AIDS and HIV has become that this just gives it more awareness” said senior Aaron Vandermaas. “Perhaps the screening is invasive but in the world today these procedures will have to be taken to make it better.”
The screening recommendations are based on successful results of voluntary testing preformed in pregnant women. Thanks to the use of HIV screening and appropriate medical care, the number of infants born with HIV dramatically decreased from 1, 650 in 1991 to around 200 in 2002.
In 1999 the Institute of Medicine first suggested universal screening, and in 2005 the IOM worked to make testing cost effectiveness. Based on the IOM’s evidence the CDC has been working to make this testing happen for everyone in America. The final recommendations were refined on the basis of commentary from multiple professional and community organizations by March 2006.
“The Main reason for increased testing is to detect cases early on for treatment and the decrease the spread of HIV and AIDs in America,” said Barbara Stern, a Pepperdine Health Center registered nurse. “The benefit is to the patient.”
There is an outlet on campus to allow students to become more aware and involved in health care. The Student Health Advisory Board [SHAB] is a group of Pepperdine students who have made it their mission to promote student participation in their health care on campus and is also involved in letting Pepperdine students know all that the health center has to offer.
The students involved in SHAB will help spread the word when the free HIV testing date is set. These students are also going to be participating in a run for HIV. To become involved in the SHAB organization or just to look up more information go to the Health Center page on the Pepperdine Website and click on “Health Education.”
12-02-2006