In recognition of World Aids Day, the Office of Student Involvement hosted a learning session on HIV and Aids. Representatives from “Positive Link” of IU Health Bloomington, Monica Miley, and Meredith Short introduced Positive Link and the education and services the organization provides. Their service extends into Monroe and many of the surrounding counties that include Bartholomew.

Miley offered insights into the social impact of the disease, HIV facts, and explained that discrimination towards people with HIV is illegal. Additionally, an in-depth conversation on STD prevention provided valuable information. After the session, confidential and free AIDS testing were made available, resulting in fifteen individual testings.

The Office of National AIDS Policy, along with various agencies and organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Health and Human Services, the HIV Medicine Association, and the Positive Justice Project has called all states to review their laws concerning HIV exposure. Thirty-three states, including Indiana, have HIV-specific statutes that apply to people living with HIV, and they penalize any alleged, perceived or suspected HIV exposure, regardless of intent to, or risk of, harm to another individual.

A 2015 home blog from www.whitehouse.gov Web site shares, “The United States is home to over a million people living with HIV, many of whom face stigma and discrimination that prohibits access to care and prevention services. In 2010, President Obama released our first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and in July of this year, our National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Updated to 2020 to continue our sharp focus on reducing new HIV infections, improving access to care and improving health outcomes, reducing HIV-related health disparities, and achieving a more coordinated national response.”