As an MSU student and a Michigan Department of Community Health-certified HIV counselor, I was disheartened by the article "Lansing Area AIDS Network to offer free HIV testing every Monday until March 5" (SN 2/13). Although the Lansing Area AIDS Network is a valuable resource to the surrounding community, it is important that MSU students are aware of the resources offered on campus.

I volunteer as an HIV counselor weekly at Olin Health Center, as do a number of other student counselors who also are MDCH-certified. Olin offers free and anonymous HIV antibody testing year-round by student counselors and Olin staff — not just on select days of the week for limited hours. Appointments are available all day, Monday through Thursday.

Olin offers the testing year-round with approximately 600 clients tested annually, both at Olin Health Center and through outreach testing events at various campus locations.

One such outreach event will be held today in G-32 Hubbard Hall to commemorate Black AIDS Awareness Month. Sexual health information and resources will be available, as well as the option to receive a free and anonymous HIV test.

I hope to see The State News offer more complete and inclusive resources in future articles.

Erica Phillipich
family community services senior and coordinator of the Hubbard Hall Black AIDS Awareness Month event