AIDS is still prevalent in our society, but it is not the same as when it first became known, said Shawn Peoples.

Peoples said the public is not afraid to say the word “AIDS” anymore.

Peoples is the primary adviser for Delta Sigma Theta who is sponsoring the BASUAH AIDS Testing and Awareness today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union’s Oakland Room.

The testing is part of African American Heritage Month.

This is third annual testing and awareness day, which provides free and anonymous testing.

A new report by the Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics showed about one-half of one percent of adults ages 18-49 are infected with HIV.

However, the report also stated that black men in the United States are most likely to be infected with HIV.

Three years ago, Delta Sigma Theta received a grant from the state to have an aids testing on campus.

The grant, Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV and AIDS, specifically targets individuals who had never been tested before and, more specifically, black students.

This year, they did not receive money from the grant, but Delta Sigma Theta was fortunate to receive a donation from its national organization, Peoples said.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day takes place each year in February.

Delta Sigma Theta works in conjuncture with this day, Feb. 7, and usually tries to have an AIDS testing during the same week.

Peoples said it is important to educate the black community about getting tested.

“A lot of times, I think individuals are just afraid,” she said. “There’s still, I think, a lot of misinformation out there about what does it mean if someone tests positive for HIV and AIDS.”

The sorority will work with the Champaign Health District, which will bring 3 testers and use rapid testing, which takes only 20 minutes to receive results.

The rapid testing was used at Eastern for the first time last year, and more than 85 students were tested.

Lisa Hartman, sexual health education coordinator at the Health Education and Resource Center, said the one way to prevent HIV/AIDS is to abstain from sexual activity.

Other ways to reduce the risk of infection include being in a monogamous relationship, reducing the number of sexual partners and using condom correctly and consistently during sexual activity, Hartman said.

Peoples said many are afraid to know their status.

She has heard people in the past say they did not want to know because if they did, they would mentally and physically “shut down,” she said.

“When you hear HIV and AIDS, I think, because of maybe sometimes a lack of education, the first thing you think about is, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to die,'” Peoples said.

Peoples said a positive status does not mean an “automatic death sentence” anymore.

Those who participate in the testing will be registered for a chance to win a free laptop computer.

The winner will be announced at the presentation of “What You Don’t Know Can Kill You,” the AIDS awareness play taking place at 4 p.m., Feb. 10 in the Grand Ballroom of the Union. Winner must attend the play to receive the laptop.

Emily Zulz can be reached at 581-7945 or at eazulz@eiu.edu.