Students, faculty and the community at large can get free, anonymous HIV testing through the end of November at the Moorpark College Health Center on a first-come-first-served basis.

Because college-aged students are among the large population of new cases each year, Moorpark College health experts recommend that sexually active students consider taking the simple test. Sharon Manakas, Health Coordinator for Moorpark College, encourages anyone who has multiple partners to inform them that the tests are offered on campus.

“If you have different (sexual) partners, it puts you at a greater risk,” than those in monogamous relationships, explained Manakas.

For the past four years, the college Health Center has offered the tests which are administered by Northeast Valley Health Corporation. During the tests, healthcare workers use a swab to take a sample of saliva from the patient’s mouth to determine if any HIV antibodies are present. If test results are unclear, or show that HIV antibodies are present, a blood test is offered for more accurate results.

According to the California Department of Health Services website, as of Aug 31 the California HIV Surveillance Report showed that 26 percent of new HIV cases that were reported in California alone were between the ages of 20 and 29.

“I think HIV screening is important,” said Moorpark College student Jeanine Golde, 19. “In this generation, there are so many diseases (and) STDs being spread so easily that to get tested every few months is ideal; or at least every year, depending on how many sexual partners you have.”

However, if someone who wishes to get tested misses a testing date, there are other options out there. The Health Center at Ventura College offers HIV testing as well, for a small fee. In addition, the Health Center at Moorpark College currently has a program called “Family Pact”. Unlike the HIV testing offered by Northeast Valley Health Corporation, this is not anonymous.

“(Family Pact) is a state-funded service for individuals that meet the criteria,” explains Manakas. “And in that case, it’s a blood test.” A student must make an appointment and meet with a counselor or nurse, in order to get tested through this program.

For more information, or to get an HIV test, visit the Moorpark College Health Center, located in the Administration building in Room 111, where dates and times are posted for each testing time. Or visit the Ventura College Student Health Center, located in the Athletics Event Center, Building “C”.