Music and line dancing drew students into the John Garrick Hardy Center Ballroom on Tuesday, Aug. 12, as Alabama State University kicked off its annual Health Welcome Back Week. The event combined fun and education by offering students resources on sexual health, wellness and community support.
The event was originally scheduled for the John Garrick Hardy Center Amphitheater but was moved indoors to the ballroom because of rain. Inside, students found tables offering condoms, emergency contraception, pamphlets on PrEP and confidential free testing of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Giveaways of cold drinks, muffins and other treats kept the energy high.
Student Life Coordinator Latasha Bell welcomed students and encouraged them to take advantage of the vendors and campus partners on hand.
“We want students to take advantage of all the resources available to them as they start the semester,” Bell said. She also extended gratitude to the many organizations that made the day possible. “A special thank-you goes out to all the vendors and community partners who participated, providing valuable information, giveaways and support to make this year’s event a success.”
SheCare Wellness Pods, one of the vendors at the event, led by Sade Tarver, registered nurse, and overseen by Yatisha Davis-Butler, certified nursing assistant, introduced students to free services including Resting Therapy, Sound Therapy, Free Flow Yoga, Mindfulness Therapy and Individual Counseling. The pods are part of a groundbreaking partnership with the Kate Spade and Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, making the university the first historically Black college and university to offer a dedicated self-care space.
Council on Substance Abuse-NCADD’s (COSA-NCADD) “Knowing Is Sexy” program, represented by Daryl Cates, executive director of COSA-NCADD, emphasized sexual health with a bold reminder: “School is temporary. The only thing you want to leave with is your degree, not children or sexually transmitted diseases.”
Faith Barron, a university alumna and representative of Five Horizons Health Services, was on-site providing HIV testing through a mobile truck. The nonprofit agency provides specialized medical care, including comprehensive testing and treatment for HIV, sexually transmitted infections and primary care. More than 80 students participated in the screenings, with each tester receiving either a $25 gift card or a food truck voucher. In addition, Ka’laun Hambrite, HIV manager for the East Central District HIV Department, distributed information packets and gift bags to raise awareness and promote wellness.
The Executive Director of COPE Pregnancy Center, Jamie Demic, shared information about free pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, parenting and pregnancy classes, and baby supplies available to both students and the community. Alongside pregnancy resources, students also received information on sexual health and prevention.
The Alabama Department of Public Health Sexually Transmitted Division guided sexually transmitted infections prevention and testing services.
“Health Welcome Back Week aims to give Hornets the resources to stay informed, use precaution and protect themselves,” said Bell.
