HIV screening: confidential and free

By Vancine Sturdivant
Guest Writer

HIV screening is available twice a month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the UNCP Student Health Center under the direction of Cora Bullard and her nursing staff.

This free screening is given through Robeson County Health Department to educate the students about the importance of taking preventive measures concerning their health.

“The HIV screening has been performed on this campus for over 10 years. The information is kept very confidential. We do not put the students names on forms they are required to fill out. The last four digits of the social security number are used at all times.

If a case is detected, the information does not become public record of the school, it is turned over to the Robeson County Health Department,” said Bullard.

HIV Screening is not mandatory for students or staff. However, both may sign up for the free screening. Each year over 100 students are screened. Bullard said this year’s goal was to double the number of students tested.

“There has not been a positive case of HIV detected on campus, but that’s not to say we do not have positive cases present. I feel every student should take advantage of this opportunity. The test administered at a doctor’s office would cost over $100,” Bullard said.

Information about the screenings is made available to the students through the Student Health Center and “This Week @ UNCP”.