Although most people place personal health as a priority, many forgo getting tested for HIV because of the stigma that surrounds it.

The Health Education and Promotion center on campus is working to end that stigma. Through free monthly testing clinics, their main goal is to encourage students to get tested, even if they are not at high risk.

“Health Education and Promotion offers free monthly HIV testing to WKU students and is completely confidential. The process is quick and easy as just a simple finger prick,” Avery Nordgren, a graduate assistant in health education and promotion said. 

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Many college students are at risk for HIV because of unsafe sex practices, yet don’t get tested because of claims that it could never happen to them. The importance of HIV testing isn’t just because it will benefit your personal health–it will give you and any future partners a safe state of mind and encourage HIV prevention methods like safe sex.

“If you test negative for HIV, you can make decisions and take steps that will help you remain HIV negative. If you test positive for HIV, you can seek medical treatment earlier. Early medical treatment can slow the progress of HIV and delay the onset of AIDS,” Nordgren said. “These are just some of the many benefits that come along when knowing your status.”

The HEP center provides free sexual health supplies that help prevent the spread of HIV, which can be picked up at the Health Services center.

The dates for the free HIV testing this fall are Sept. 21, Oct.19 and Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and tests are being administered in the Student Wellness suite 1064 in the Health Services building. Students must register in advance through the Health Education and Promotion website.