Kent State’s University Health Services is hosting a presentation “Know Your Status: What to Expect When Testing for HIV” as part of World AIDS Day week on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Kent Student Center.

Joshua Morgan, Risk Reduction and Outreach coordinator for Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI), will present an informal discussion on how the HIV test operates, risk factors associated with HIV transmission and what preventative measures people can take to eliminate HIV transmission.

“We will laugh, we will cry, but most of all we will walk away from the presentation with a better understanding of how we can become an inclusive community through education, outreach and awareness while eliminating stigma and HIV transmission,” Morgan said.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that healthcare providers test individuals between the ages of 13 and 64 for HIV at least once in their lifetime as part of a routine health care. Those with risk factors should get tested on an annual basis.

“People living with HIV are as human as any other person,” Morgan said. “Just because they are living with HIV does not change who they are, how they love or their ability to be loved.” 

The Office of Health Promotions (OHP) and CANAPI have partnered to provide free confidential HIV testing for Kent State students, faculty and staff on Dec. 9.

Contact Brenna Parker at [email protected].