TAMIU Sets STD Fair Thursday, April 20

One of the populations most susceptible to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), college-age students, will be the beneficiaries of a special STD Information Fair at Texas A&M International University on Thursday, April 20 from 1 - 4 p.m. in the Student Center rotunda (first floor).

The Fair, hosted by TAMIU Student Health Services, will feature a variety of booths providing information and referrals.

Angie Cantrell, TAMIU nurse and director of Student Health Services, said the Fair offers a proactive way for students to receive information and become aware of STDs and their ramifications.

"The nation's college-age students are an especially at-risk population and we are especially committed to providing them with relevant information that can help them to prevent STDs, some of which can have life-long ramifications," Cantrell explained.

Cantrell said that nationally certain STDs are on the rise, while others are showing signs of some decrease, depending on the particular STDs.

"For example, the National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention (NCHSTP) has indicated that Chlamydia is on the decline, but for the first time in two decades, Gonorrhea is on the increase. Syphilis has declined, but Genital Herpes in on the increase, especially among teens and young adults.  HIV infections are on the rise in some populations and decreasing in others," she said.

She said that many at-risk populations do not always realize that STDs have very real personal, public health and quality of life impacts.

"STDs can result in intangible costs related to pain, suffering, and a diminished quality of life. In 1994, the direct and indirect costs of major STDs and their complications were estimated to total almost $17 billion annually, according to the NCHSTP," she said.

The University's Student Health Services is a dedicated care clinic that seeks to assist in the development and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle so students can participate fully in academic and extracurricular activities. Its mission is to provide quality, accessible, comprehensive and cost-effective primary healthcare for each student.

For additional information, contact Student Health Services at 326.2235, or visit offices in Student Center Room 125. 

Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Information is also available by clicking on tamiu.edu/health/

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu