VSU Celebrates World AIDS Day

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University prepares to celebrate World AIDS Day with events that promote HIV and AIDS awareness, research and prevention.

On Thursday, Nov. 14, the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) will host a benefit to raise money for the NAMES Project Foundation's AIDS Memorial Quilt. The event will be held in the Student Union Ballroom and starts at 7:30 p.m.

"This is our ninth annual benefit, and we have chosen to donate proceeds to the NAMES Project Foundation for the past three years," said Brittany Hewitt, public relations chair for GSA. "The benefit has assisted us in raising as much as $1,800 for AIDS research in the past. This year we hope to raise at least $2,000."

The next day students, faculty and staff can take advantage of free HIV testing in the University Center Dogwood Room from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m.

The celebration also includes a presentation by Jeanne White-Ginder, whose son contracted HIV from a tainted blood product and was shunned by their community. White-Ginder is a national health figure who regularly speaks about the AIDS epidemic. She is also the founder of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. She will present during a luncheon in the University Center Magnolia Room Friday, Nov. 15 at 11:30 a.m.

The luncheon and free HIV testing is sponsored by the VSU Student Health Center, VSU Campus Wellness and South Health District. To register for the luncheon, visit http://tinyurl.com/VSUWAD13 .

The following week on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Office of Health Promotions will have an information table in the Student Union from noon to 2 p.m. Students can receive HIV/AIDS prevention & educational materials at that time.

World AIDS Day will be observed worldwide on Saturday, Dec. 1. The World AIDS Day campaign continues its five-year theme, "Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths."

World AIDS Day Schedule of Events

Thursday, Nov. 14

Drag Delight World AIDS Day Benefit
Student Union Ballroom at 7:30 p.m.
General Admission: $5 in advance, $10 at the door
VIP Admission: $10 in advance, $20 at the door

Friday, Nov. 15

Free HIV Testing
University Center Dogwood Room
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m.

World AIDS Day Luncheon
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission: Free

Wednesday, Nov. 20

Information Table
Student Union
Noon to 2 p.m.

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