Educating HIV and AIDS

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - In many cases young people think they're invincible, that being infected by HIV and AIDS can't happen to them.

That's why education and prevention are so important.

A handful of University of Toledo students made sure their peers got that information in a fun way.

Several topics were discussed, including sex.

"At what age does masturbation begin?"

The question was answered during a game show of sorts. The purpose was to use fun and entertainment to educate students about sex and its dangers, including AIDS and HIV.

"If you have a student that doesn't necessarily know very much about how to get tested, where to get tested, when to get tested, you may have an issue on your hands - a late detection - and that could cause a lot of problems down the line," said Stephanie Gurgol, UT student.

Gurgol, with the Resident Student Association, which hosted Tuesday's event, was helping host the event. The RSA was also receiving help from the AIDS Resource Center Ohio in Toledo.

"You hear the stories of well so and so was out the other night and was under the influence, didn't think, didn't have protection -- voila, there's unprotected sex," Gurgol added.

Those stories are very real, but can be prevented through knowledge and testing which you can get for free at AIDS Resource Center.

Prevention and Outreach team leader Jared Rose said part of the problem is that young people have misconceptions about what sex really is.

"A lot of youth these days will do certain things but not other things because, well they're still a virgin, well there are still bodily fluids being swapped that can lead to STDs, unplanned pregnancy, or HIV," he said.

States and the federal government have cut budgets for HIV care and services. Rose said that's expected to trickle down to prevention services as well.

This Saturday, Aug. 28, the AIDS Resource Center Ohio is raising money to fund what they do through their annual AIDS Walk at International Park.