Adrian Northrup

Students at UW-Eau Claire, as well as people across the globe, observed World AIDS Day Friday, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the deadly disease.

Last week’s activies included film showings, a discussion led by University faculty and a prevention specialist at the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin and free HIV testing.

Freshman Tim Lauer, a member of UW-Eau Claire’s UNICEF, said students took away some important knowledge from the World AIDS Day event.

“Students seemed like they genuinely cared about what was going on,” he said. “I think it raised awareness for AIDS and gave students a different perspective on the world.”

According to a report posted on the Wisconsin AIDS/HIV Project Web site, there have been 9,423 reported cases of AIDS or HIV since 1983, with 3,544 deaths recorded. Since 2000, 2,575 cases have been reported, with 178 deaths.

Sponsors of this year’s event on campus included the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, the Pre-Med Club, Student Life and Diversity, Student Services, Student Senate, Women’s Gender and Equity Center, UW-Eau Claire UNICEF, the Student Wellness Advocacy Team, and SPECTRUM, according to a university press release.

“I believe (World AIDS Day) was started to raise awareness,” said senior WAGE member Mary Jo Klinker, adding the event helped students at Eau Claire understand the impact of AIDS at both the local and global level.

Klinker said one of the aspects stressed most at the event was the interconnectedness of the global community, because AIDS doesn’t just affect America or Africa; it’s everywhere.

According to the press release, the film “Pandemic: Facing AIDS” was shown Wednesday in Hibbard Hall.

The same film played again Thursday, followed by a discussion led by Nick Smiar, professor of social work; Jeff Erger, associate professor of sociology; and John Welch, prevention specialist at the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin.

Klinker said free HIV testing took place Friday, adding many students discussed ways to get their friends tested during the forum
discussions.