UT's Lambda Student Union sponsored the World AIDS Day event on the pedestrian walkway Monday.  The event marked the 20^th anniversary of World AIDS Day, a national Holiday commemorating the lives changed by HIV and AIDS.

Several local organizations such as Positively Living of East Tennessee, Hope Center of Fort Sanders Hospital and Tennessee HIV/AIDS/STD Program co-sponsored the event.

"We are here to let students know that this is a problem that hasn't been forgotten," Amy Davidson, chairperson of the World AIDS Day event and president of Lambda Student Union, said. "Numbers are still growing. People are still getting infected."

This is everyone's problem.
Rachel LaRue, co-chair of UT's World AIDS Day

Rachel LaRue, co-chair of the World AIDS Day event and historian of Lambda Student Union, said AIDS is a serious issue. "Everyone needs to recognize that this isn't a problem that is exclusive to the gay community, or the black community or to one community in particular," she said. "This is everyone's problem.

"We put up several signs with AIDS facts along the pedestrian walkway for students," LaRue said. "We had several local groups come from the community, and we passed out condoms, AIDS fact sheets and pamphlets."

Free HIV-testing was offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University Center in observance of the holiday.

Tim, an HIV-positive volunteer for the Hope Center, said he emphasized the need for AIDS education. "I have had AIDS for 18 years now," he said. "I found out in 1992, and there wasn't the advancements they have now. I was given a death sentence." Tim said he is alive thanks to such advancements in medicine.

Tim, who asked that his last name not be released, said there is much more to AIDS than the common person is aware of. "There are a lot of side effects that people have to deal with---like vomiting and diarrhea," he said. "It is not as simple as taking medicine.

"The highest rate of infection is among young, heterosexual women," he said. "Side effects for women include enlargement of the breast and weight issues."