AIDS awareness cannot be a completed task - individuals must constantly update their knowledge. The community is continually discovering new perspectives, developments and treatments. Students who consider themselves aware have made a step in the right direction, but should in no way consider their knowledge complete. The week's activities are a good example of the ways in which students can seek out opportunities and augment their existing knowledge of HIV and AIDS.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display Feb. 6-9 in the University Track & Tennis Building. The display is a valuable way for University students and community members to understand the widespread effects of AIDS. According to Dave Lieber, member of the Ann Arbor Jaycees Foundation (a co-sponsor of this week's events), the quilt helps to put a name on the endless statistics, as well as allowing students to walk away with the feeling that they know someone who died of AIDS. Visiting the quilt exhibit will help University students realize that no one is exempt from the disease.
In addition, several informational speakers, programs and workshops will take place on campus this week:
Dr. Powell Kazanjian will speak about "Advances in Treatment for HIV/AIDS" on Feb. 4 at the School of Public Health II.
"Jeffrey," a feature film based on the award-winning play, will be showing at the Michigan Theater on Feb. 4.
A brief service titled "Spiritual Strength for Survival" will precede a candlelight march, music and poetry readings in the Michigan Union on Feb. 4.
On Feb. 5, LGBPO will host a safer-sex workshop, addressing women who have sex with women and men who have sex with men.
In the Union, on Feb. 5, poet-activist River Huston will discuss her personal experiences living with AIDS.
Students and community members should take advantage of opportunities to gain more knowledge about HIV and AIDS this week - there is no excuse to plead ignorance when so many easily-accessible programs are available so close to home.
AIDS matters to the University community - it is the No. 1 killer of people between the ages of 25-44. Of immediate local concern, Washtenaw County reports the second highest number of AIDS cases in the state. Students are responsible for informing themselves - they can never know too much about HIV and preventative measures.
The events of National AIDS Awareness Week remind us that HIV remains a threat. By acquiring information about the disease and knowing how to prevent transmission, students will be able to take an active role in protecting themselves and those close to them.