SU earns $20K grant

Southern’s Coalition to Reduce Substance Abuse and Risky Behavior has been granted $20,000 by the Advocates of Youth to promote HIV/ AIDS awareness, prevention and generate student awareness programs, due to the increasing number of HIV cases among young black females in the U.S.
Black women accounted for more than half (57 percent) of all AIDS cases reported among women in 2007. Moreover, more than two-thirds (69 percent) of new HIV cases among adolescents and adult females occurred among blacks, according to the Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC).
“If the students knew how HIV spread, they would be more apt to wear condoms,” explained Dr. Shirley Wade, clinical administrator for the Student Health Center (SHC). “Knowledge is power. If we know better, we do better,” she finished.
Women are more prone to contract HIV because of their reproductive biology. Moreover, a young woman is even more vulnerable to infection, due to her less mature reproductive tract, as opposed to a more mature female’s reproductive organs.
Although men are at a slightly lower rate of contracting HIV, it is important for everyone to familiarize themselves with prevention practices.
“Use contraceptives, get checked and persuade your partner to get checked annually,” said Josh Whitfield, a junior criminal justice major from Baton Rouge.
In addition to implementing new programs at the university, Metro Health has helped in providing free confidential HIV testing weekly and also helped placed condoms in the restrooms for students to have private access.
Currently, Southern’s Coalition to Reduce Substance Abuse and Risky Behavior is seeking 8 -10 females to lead the young women of color leadership counsel. The women will develop and head programs to promote HIV prevention, “to go forth with HIV and AIDS prevention,” according to Dr. Wade.
National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day (Feb. 7) began in 2000 as a day some medical centers designated to perform free tests and provide free educated to the community.
“Look over at Africa,” said Dr. Wade, “entire villages have been wiped out and it could happen here.”
To further promote awareness and prevention, the Coalition has begun a slogan-writing contest, which will award $250 to the student who can write a university recognized slogan promoting awareness and safety.
“Knowledge is power!” said Ava Brewster-Turner, associate professor in the Department of Visual Arts.
For more information on prevention, programs and contests, contact the SHC at 771.4770.