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The National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day HBCU Initiative
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as institutions of higher education and learning have provided a haven of opportunities for educators, students, and graduates to achieve success, and impact lives throughout the United States and internationally.
HBCUs are integral to various communities and serve as a prime catalyst of countless changes including HIV. The HBCU initiative provides opportunities for students, as well as faculty and staff to increase awareness around HIV/AIDS throughout Black communities. The NBHAAD and HBCU partnership initiative provides access to HIV/AIDS education, testing, treatment, and care. In 2012, four HBCUs participated in the initiative.
- Alcorn State University
- Clark Atlanta University
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Stillman College
2012 Initiative Project Successes:
- 333 people were tested and linked to prevention and/or care services
- 809 people participated in educational and awareness activities
- More than 1,200 pieces of information including condom kits and contact information for testing services were distributed
How students can get involved:
Student Ambassador’s Program
This is a leadership opportunity for HBCU students interested and/or committed to addressing challenges surrounding HIV/AIDS. Responsibilities include:
- Educating fellow students, staff, faculty, and community members about HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and local testing options
- Planning/hosting on-campus and community-wide testing events on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
- Raising awareness about linkage to care opportunities for those who are living with or have newly tested positive for HIV/AIDS or other STI’s
- Mobilizing fellow students to take part in local activism on HIV/AIDS issues in order to create sustainable community partnerships
Ambassadors will also have the opportunity to receive on-going professional development and access to local, regional and national resources in public health, particularly in HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and support.
Things Students Can Do:
Students along with faculty and staff at HBCUs can come together to mobilize others under the four specific focal points of NBHAAD- Education, Testing, Involvement, and Treatment. Here are some examples of activities that you can do:
- Health Fair to include free HIV and STI education and testing
- Host movie screenings with conversations
- Host town hall discussions
- Campus Candlelight Vigil
- HBCU President Proclamation
- Write on and off campus Newspaper Article focusing on your school’s NBHAAD efforts
- Develop social media Public Service Announcement
- Sponsor unique educational and outreach activities to raise the awareness (i.e. Fashion Show, Step Show, Poetry Slam)
Suggested Partnerships:
- Student Health Centers
- Professors and/or Departments
- Student-led Organizations
- Local or State Health Departments
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Community-Based Organizations
- Local Businesses
- Media
- Other HBCUs
Students are encouraged to be creative and collaborative in their efforts. If additional information and/or guidance is needed, please send an email to info@nationalblackaidsday.org no later than Friday, February 1, 2013. We encourage you to start planning today.
Once you have developed your event click here to register and receive NBHAAD materials.
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