STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

     The goals of this project are to investigate HIV cases in the region in which the Southwest Missouri area and to advocate for better education within public schools and the public as a whole about the basic information and dangers surrounding HIV as a virus. We are also seeking to identify populations that are at high risk for contracting a HIV infection. This blog also aims to educate the public about the need to be tested and where they can go to get tested for HIV.

     The purpose of our blog, Op-ed, and flyer is to make the public aware of the dangers of HIV and AIDS and how to prevent an infection. Specifically, we are also advocating for better education about HIV in public schools that targets middle and high schoolers. The entire community needs more awareness about HIV risks, as seen by this region’s high rates of HIV and AIDS. However, our group is placing emphasis on education in public schools because we have found the millennial generation is contracting higher rates of HIV. Our hope is that by providing better education to adolescents before they are sexually active that the rates of HIV for the state of Missouri will lower in the coming years.

     Although there are not any campus organizations that promote HIV awareness and prevention on the Missouri State campus, one could be formed to promote awareness and education regarding HIV and AIDS. This group could be used to teach students about what HIV is, their risk of contracting HIV, and where to get tested. An organization of this nature would also provide support and resources to students, faculty, and staff affected by HIV and AIDS. This group would could also collaborate with other local HIV awareness organizations, such as AIDS Project of the Ozarks. AIDS Project of the Ozarks (APO) has some events throughout the year to raise money for their organization, which educates our community and provides support to those affected by HIV and AIDS. To support AIDS Project of the Ozarks, we could volunteer, donate, or participate in APO’s fundraising events. Some of these events include the Ozarks Red Ribbon Ride and the AIDS Walk. Participation fees and donations for these events go to fund APO. An on-campus organization could also register Missouri State students for these events. This would raise awareness about APO and contribute to their funding.

     Our strategies in developing materials for our portfolio are to include information that will educate individuals of all backgrounds and education levels in a way that is relevant to them. We included practical information on how to get tested for HIV and the testing sites in Springfield. With these two main goals, we developed several blog posts to expand on these ideas. To begin, we created posts that simply explain the science behind HIV and AIDS. A couple posts focus on the at-risk people groups and activities that increase one’s risk of contracting HIV. There are also posts dedicated to the testing of HIV, including how to test and where to get tested. One post was developed to explain some of the treatment options available to those who test positive for HIV. We chose to include some of the stigmas associated with HIV and AIDS in hopes that by addressing the stereotypes and myths, that this blog will spread truth about the facts of HIV. Our flyer is specifically advocating for the community to get tested for HIV.

     As a result of this project, we hope to see greater awareness in the Southwest Missouri region regarding the HIV. We would like this project to help our community identify their risk factors and encourage testing for HIV.



http://southwestmohivawareness.blogspot.com/