To the Editor:

April is Get Yourself Tested Month, an annual campaign to remind us to make healthy decisions for ourselves and to help keep the people around us safe from sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

Why is testing for STIs and STDs so important? Well for starters, of the millions of HIV positive people, one in five don’t know that they are infected, which could lead to the widespread transmission of HIV on college campuses. By simply taking a few minutes out of your day to get yourself tested, you could help combat the potential transmission of HIV, as well as other STDs and STIs. If that’s not reason enough to get tested, almost half of the 20 million new STDs diagnosed annually are among young people ages 15-24.

There are many statistics and facts out there to read and learn, but it all comes down to your health. There are many locations surrounding the University of Massachusetts that offer confidential HIV and STI testing: University Health Services, Stonewall’s monthly testing in the Campus Center or Tapestry Health in Amherst.

As part of Get Yourself Tested month, VOX UMASS: Students for Reproductive Justice will be hosting a free event called SEX on the Lawn, on April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the lawn between the Campus Center and the Student Union. At this event, you can learn about STIs, STI prevention, campus resources and sex-positive organizations, and of course enjoy free food.

Make the right decision, for you and your partners.

Sincerely,
Diabrina Kozichuk
Communication Directors
VOX UMASS: Students for Reproductive Justice