Loyola University cancels free HIV testing program

Recent budget cuts at Loyola University have led to the removal of free HIV testing at the school's Wellness Center. However, the university will continue to screen students for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes and syphilis, according to the Loyola Phoenix.

Prior to the funding problems, Better Existence with HIV, a health organization, would visit the campus several times per year and screen students for the sexually transmitted disease (STD). Over the next few months, the school's health staff will work towards reinstating this type of testing by having the Test Positive Aware Network make regular visits to the campus, the news source reports.

Natasha Mmeje, program director of health promotion at the center, stated that "the best thing a student can do for prevention is to get tested." She added that "I think we try to get information out to students, like through our website, but hands down the best form of prevention is to get tested."

Elimination of free HIV screenings may expose young people to a greater risk of STD infection. For instance, in 2006, an estimated 1.1 million Americans were living with HIV, and 21 percent of these individuals were undiagnosed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Those who are unable to access testing centers, but are concerned about their sexual health, can benefit from purchasing online testing services.