HIV/AIDS Task Force offers ideas for change

The University's HIV/AIDS Task Force released recommendations based upon its work during the 1992-93 academic year in yesterday's Almanac. "This report summarizes the work of the three Committees of the Task Force, and includes the specific recommendations generated by each Committee," said Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta in yesterday's Almanac. The Education, Services and Policy committees -- made up of volunteer students, faculty, staff and administrators -- examined the current state of activities and programs designed to deal with HIV and AIDS on campus. The Education Committee focused its work on HIV/AIDS programming and community outreach. It extended kudos to the Office of Health Education for its partnership with Student Health Service, its utilization of peer educators and its "multi-media approach to HIV education, " the Almanac said. The committee also recommended increased campus-wide communication about HIV and AIDS. The Services Committee, charged with defining and coordinating the delivery and support of service for HIV/AIDS-related problems, advocated the establishment of an anonymous test site, which began operating last October 14 in facilities in the Dental School. This committee is also concerned with on-campus knowledge of resources -- counseling, treatment, physician referrals -- for those affected by HIV and AIDS. It plans to prepare a leaflet containing basic information about these services for the University community. The policy committee reviewed the University's existing policies and made recommendations based on committee members' suggestions. These recommendations, in the broad areas of protection and rights, include maintenance of the confidentiality of an individual's positive test for HIV or AIDS. In addition, the committee recommended widespread publication of the University's HIV/AIDS policies and workshops on workplace sensitivity. Policy committee member Jack Reece, associate professor of history, said he is supportive of the report's recommendations, which he helped draft. "AIDS is a problem that effects the entire society and universities are a part of that society," he said. "The administration seemed to be supportive of the notion that the University ought to have these policies [to deal with the] issues of disability and discrimination," Reece added.

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