More students are becoming aware of the free HIV testing located on-campus. Students in the Delta Lambda Phi fraternity, Advocates for Sexual Health partnered with Project Healthy Iowa Men to provide free testing in the Union Drive Community Center.

Project Healthy Iowa Men is an organization with the sole mission to stop HIV.

During the fall 2012 semester, 24 students filled out a procedural questionnaire to be tested at the free event. 

The procedures are quick and easy with various tests that can be done: Urine sample, throat swab, rectal swab or lastly, a blood sample.

There were two testers available with a counseling background who were available to provide referrals to those who tested positive. 

Callen Ubeda, prevention specialist for Project Healthy Iowa Men and ISU alumnus, was very enthusiastic about spreading the word to get regular check ups to be tested. 

“We are trying to destigmatize testing, regardless of what testing is being done,” Ubeda said. “We believe people should have to be tested regularly just like any other type of check up, for example, a dentist checkup, eye checkup, et cetera.” 

The statistics in Iowa for high-risk individuals with HIV are African-Americans and Hispanics.

“These ethnicities have a higher risk within these racial groups,” Ubeda said. 

It is recommended for anyone 24 and under who is sexually active to be tested every six months. 

The individuals Ubeda said Project Healthy Iowa Men are most concerned about are those meeting their sexual partners through Grindr or Craigslist. 

“It’s rare that they have conversations on their status (of being tested),” Ubeda said. “We don’t judge or place judgement on them, we just want to help them get tested. There is a shame with getting tested, but generally people should get tested for STDs regularly.”

The Delta Lambda Phi fraternity volunteer for this event that is held on campus at UDCC. 

Alex Young, freshman in event management and president of Delta Lambda Phi, helped manage the event. 

“I very much enjoy organizing events, that’s what I do,” Young said. 

The majority of the Delta Lambda Phi brothers came to volunteer for the event. 

“We are hoping to make this an every semester thing,” Young said. “Around 20 showed up [however] I cannot disclose the amount of those tested positive. This event is for the students and put on by the students, we want people to be comfortable coming to us.”  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, April is national STD awareness month.