I got tested for HIV last Friday during the testing campaign run by the AIDS Education Global Information System in Talley. My results were negative, and I felt pleased, because both the people and the experience were very professional. As much as I thought that things went smoothly and were as expedient as possible, I still had one qualm.

I would have rather just gotten the HIV test along with other STD tests done at Student Health along with my annual exams. One glitch in this, however, is that I am a dependent on my parents’ insurance, and, as you can likely imagine, I do not relish the thought of them knowing my personal health information.

In my opinion, Student Health should not make STD tests a part of a student’s health record. It prevents students from getting regularly tested, and that is a huge problem considering two-thirds of all new STD cases are found in people under the age of 25.

Although government regulations prevent the University from releasing health information without your consent, if you are covered under your parents’ insurance company you are required to release your information so that they can be reimbursed. For those who are unwilling to give up their privacy, they may have to decide between their health and paying out of pocket for expensive testing so there will be no need for insurance reimbursement.

Through the health center, every test has an associated cost, and must be paid for by one party or another. As a portion of our student fees work toward defraying the cost of health care on campus, I would be willing to accept a small rise if it meant STD testing costs were either eliminated or greatly reduced.

I feel like it is my responsibility to take precautions to stay disease-free and to ensure my health by getting tested regularly. Even so, it is still somewhat taboo in our society to speak of such topics. But the funny thing about diseases is this: If we don’t talk about diseases and get tested for them, they won’t go away, they’ll just worsen.

Even though there are other options, they are not as convenient or as comprehensive as NCSU’s services. The Wake county health department runs weekly, anonymous testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis at the health center, but it is on a reserved basis and often fills up weeks in advance. These tests are free and are not associated with your name or health record in any way. However, they do not include testing for either herpes or human papillomavirus. There are also private places, such as Gateway on Hillsborough Street, where you can go to get tested. However, these places are often even more expensive than campus, although they are anonymous.

Although my test on Friday was for what many consider to be the “worst” STD, I strive to remain completely clean, and it is always nice to know that I have succeeded. Whether you are single or in a relationship, as long as you are in some way sexually active it is imperative that you know and continue to keep up with your STD status. My only request is that Student Health strives to understand and make it a little easier for the campus community to continue being safe and responsible.

E-mail Catie at [email protected].