March 2024 Page 8 CDU Newsletter
In honor of National Black HIV / AIDS Awareness Day , the Drew Center for AIDS Research , Education , and Services ( Drew CARES ) hosted a Valentine ’ s Day themed event that connected sexual health and self-love , called “ She is Black . She is Love .” The occasion not only raised awareness of the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black / African American people but also celebrated the progress in HIV prevention with CDU ’ s student PrEP Peer Educators .
Drew CARES Event Bridges Sexual Health Awareness and Self-Love
“ People still believe that HIV only affects gay communities , so we are breaking the stigma with this booth today ,” said Verona Metzger , BSN student and Student Government VP of Student Engagement . “ It means us protecting a whole community but also future generations , because these same black women that are having children are also having children born with HIV so when we protect us , we protect the future generations .”
Metzger led the HIV / Black Women information booth . Some of the other informative booths offered insight into the history of HIV / AIDS worldwide and the two medicines used to prevent HIV , Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis ( PrEP ), and Post- Exposure Prophylaxis ( PEP ).
“ I ’ m proud to have hosted this event . I think that a lot of people need to know more about PrEP , PEP and HIV awareness ,” said Mohan Makkar , Pre-Nursing
student . “ I think that the stigma should be relinquished . A lot of people just think negatively about it .”
CDU Student Government leaders were also a part of the event as they hosted a fundraiser where participants could win CDU branded prizes like media bags , license plate frames , portfolios , backpacks , and beverage canteens .
“ Being here today and hosting this event is a beautiful thing because different programs at CDU are working together to show students all that we have , we can generate money and also give stuff away ,” shared Mercedes Humski , Biomedical Science student and Student Government President .
Photos by Kevin Camargo