FAITH ORCINO
COMIC ARTIST
There are several services the LGBTQA Pride Center offers to CSUSM students. One is education and free testing for HIV. Today, Sept. 13, at noon, the Vista Community Clinic will hold their presentation about the disease and give tips on prevention of spreading it. The clinic returns on Thursday, Sept. 15, for free screenings from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Both events occur at the Pride Center, Commons 201.
Though scientists created many medical breakthroughs over time, disease and illness is a normal part of human life. While HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is not as widespread in the United States as in other countries that are heavily affected, there are a number of new cases in the country every year. The California for AIDS Research, Education and Services (CARES) reported in 2009, San Diego County had confirmed 4008 cases, the third highest number of HIV cases in the state. Los Angeles held the highest with 14,099 cases and San Francisco followed with 5,212 cases. With the help of educational talks and testing, those numbers can decrease in the near future.
According to Keyatta Parker and Gustavo Aguirre, health educators from the Vista Community Clinic, the test is a simple and non-invasive process. It takes 20- 40 minutes, and all information is kept confidential. After filling out health forms, participating students are given a kit with materials to swab the inside of their mouth. It is a painless procedure and is done in a private room inside the Pride Center. After the waiting period, the administrator hands the student the results and counseling and consultation are available, if the student needs them.
“The goal is to normalize the [HIV] test,” said Gustavo Aguirre. A standard HIV test involves drawing blood and weeks of waiting for results. Thanks to the program, more people can be screened at convenient locations and times using the painless oral swab test.
The program with the Pride Center first started in March 2010. According to Robert Aiello-Hauser, LGBTQA Pride Center director, the clinic tested 328 students between the fall 2010 and spring 2011 semesters. Other than the September dates, there will be more times available in the future to be screened. Aiello- Hauser plans to hold more free screenings on Oct. 25 and 27 and Dec. 1, World AIDS Day.
The Vista Community Clinic has two locations in Vista. They offer dental services, family medical services, pediatrics and have their own Women’s Center. For more information, visit http://www.vistacommunityclinic.org/