Louisiana has many issues, which range from high unemployment to being one of the poorest states in the country. One of the biggest issues in the state of Louisiana is the growing epidemic of the HIV/AIDS viruses.

According to Louisiana.gov’s March 2011 fact sheet, Louisiana was ranked fifth in the country for HIV/AIDS. It is important that this issue is brought up. No one in this country,let alone the world, should be living with either virus. The fact that Louisiana is in the top 10 is disappointing. It makes me wonder if we, as people of this state, are raising enough awareness about sexually transmitted diseases.

I am sure that a lot of these statistics can be looked at mainly from college campuses and sexual orientations. Baton Rouge is the city with the most cases in Louisiana. New Orleans comes in second, and Shreveport comes in third.

With ULM being a university in Louisiana, Louisiana’s issues can and will affect the students of this campus. The HIV and AIDS viruses are no different. When it comes to college, most students probably become more sexually active in comparison to their high school years.The university does its part to raise awareness about the epidemic; however, I do feel as though there is more that can be done.

I do not remember any talks about the HIV/AIDS during my first year at ULM. We did receive phone numbers for necessary centers such as the health unit on campus and in the city. I feel that ULM could help raise awareness on campus by bringing up the issue of STD’s during PREP, along with other important campus issues. They should take a moment for each team to sit the students down and have an honest talk about the issues that are affecting many people below or in their age group Yes, there are seminars on campus about such issues, but most students will not attend those seminars unless they are receiving extra points or a grade.

There are so many issues in Louisiana that can be discussed, but local news is already beating them into our skulls, as they should. HIV/AIDS is an issue that has simply not been emphasized enough. As a university, ULM can be the first stepping stone to educating incoming freshmen about the problem before their first semester begins.