Free HIV/AIDS testing was offered Thursday at MU’s Student Center, as a consortium of campus organizations came together to raise awareness of the epidemic to black communities. The MU Black Men’s Initiative, also known as MBMI, sponsored the 3rd annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Thursday. MBMI Coordinator Marcus Mayes says it’s important to address the stigma that comes with being tested.
“Sometimes it can be a stigma to talk about and a lot of people don’t like to talk about it. So, today we are here to provide assistance and hopefully you will get a free HIV test, but even if you don’t do it today, it gets you thinking about updating your status soon.” Mayes says.
MU organizations such as Shape and Face Aids were also providing information as well as free stickers, contraceptives, and handouts at today’s event. Confidential HIV testing was provided upstairs while volunteers promoted the event near the main entrance of the Student Center.
Throughout the year, MU organizations like the LGBTQ Resource Center and the Women’s Center provide free confidential HIV/AIDS testing to any MU students and faculty on campus.