Several guests speak at HIV/AIDS forum
A quartet of panelists educated students on the effects of HIV and AIDS during a n open forum.
HIV/AIDS: Understanding the local impact was held Monday afternoon as an educational tool for students and staff.
Augusto Alonto, an infectious disease specialist; Larry Anenson, a health educator; Clint Lende, director of Minnkota and Roger Schobinger, a man living with HIV spoke at the forum.
Schobinger told his story of being diagnosed with AIDS, the medication he takes everyday, the cost of medication and his goal to educate people about living with AIDS.
Schobinger was diagnosed with HIV June 30, 1992.
HIV/AIDS Facts:
• HIV can be contracted through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.
• Hugging, shaking hands, sharing eating utensils, touching toilet seats or touching doorknobs cannot transmit HIV.
• In order to find out if a person has HIV, they must be tested.
• NDSU Wellness Center offers free and confidential HIV testing.
• To protect against contracting the AIDS virus while having sex, use a latex condom.
• Last year approximately 200 students were tested NDSU.