University Health Center launches HIV testing program

The University Health Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln launched a new HIV testing program March 30. The program offers confidential, free HIV testing and counseling as a part of routine medical examinations for any UNL student paying facility fees.

In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control recommended HIV testing for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 as a part of routine healthcare, regardless of risk. When grant funding ended on Dec. 31 for free HIV testing at the UHC, the center tested a pilot program Jan. 20-28. During that time, 360 patients were offered free HIV testing as a part of routine healthcare with 116 patients participating in the program -- a 32 percent acceptance rate.

All facility fee-paying students utilizing the UHC medical clinic will be given information about HIV and will be offered a free HIV test during their appointment. The program attempts to educate students about HIV and HIV risk behaviors, increase HIV testing on campus, reduce the amount of time between infection and diagnosis, and decrease the stigma associated with HIV testing.

Free HIV testing and risk reduction counseling at the UHC is available only to students who have paid facility fees. The UHC is in the process of securing funds to expand the program to all patients. For more information about the program, visit http://health.unl.edu/students/clinic/hiv.