Starting back in January, the Women’s Center and Health Promotions collaborated to offer free and anonymous HIV testing.

Marisha Bishop is trained in HIV counseling and obtained her certificate from the Department of Health.

She said they thought it would be a good asset to add to the Women’s center.

The center uses OraSure. Bishop said they chose this test because it does not involve any blood testing, and it’s safe, easy, and accurate. OraSure tests the fluid in your mouth after a cheek swab.

Bishop emphasized the anonymity of the testing.

She said the only information people who are tested are required to give the Women’s Center is their birth date. They are given an ID card with a number, and that number is how their results are tracked.

Kathryn Krueger, a junior and business management major, said that she did not know about the HIV testing, but she thinks it’s a great idea.

“It’s important for people to be aware of their bodies and be proactive about their health. I think there should be more discrete options for STD testing, as it’s very important.”

Emily O’Shea, a sophomore and elementary education major, knew the university offered HIV testing. She also said she thinks it’s a really great thing for the university to offer.

Testing is available at the Women’s Center on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Email Tiffany Felts at reporter11@unfspinnaker.com