HIV Educator Provides Clarity

To the Editors:

I am writing in response to Danielle Gelfand’s letter of Nov. 1, 2002 to make some corrections. She states that Student Health Services would not fund or give resources for the Sexual Health Kits. Sexual Health Kits have been given out to first years as a way to let them know of the resources on campus, safer sex supplies and other sexual health-related info. For the first two years of the Sexual Health Kits and the HIV Educators (the group that organizes the production and distribution of the kits) got donations from Student Health. Although last spring Student Health was unable to assist us monetarily due to a reduced spending budget on such supplies, they were able to donate pizzas so that the people who put together the 850 packets during commencement week could have some reward for their work. Although this may sound odd, to donate pizzas and not condoms or brochures, it was a way in which Student Health was able to donate from their budget (which had money allocated to different areas) and support the Kits in the only way they could at the time.
Danielle also writes that she feels that it is Student Health’s job to educate students about safer sex. I agree with this statement, and Student Health educates in other ways. For instance, they have agreed to give $100 for first prize in an AIDS in the Arts contest, a contest in which student’s artwork will raise awareness about HIV and safer sex. The HIV Testing program (which is supported by Student Health) offers free safer sex supplies (condoms, gloves, lube and dental dams) and risk assessments to all people who come in to get tested. And, on Monday, I attended an informative workshop by Lori Morgan Flood, a Student Health employee, entitled “A Sexual Life: Taking Responsibility for Our Own Sexual Pleasure”.
While I am aware that Student Health Services was unable to help fund the first year Sexual Health Kits last spring, Student Health still offers, even with a decreased budget, many services that increase sexual health.

–Sarah Colvario
College senior
HIV Educator
HIV Prevention Programs Coordinator,
Wellness Center (part of Student Health)