ABOUT THE SITE

The college experience can definitely be fun. Most of us are away from home and away from the authority of our parents and families. The “newness” of college and the sense of freedom it creates can make us believe that we’re entitled to explore every possible experience, including sex - yet, the decision to have sex is a risky one.

In 2001, three million people around the world died from HIV related illness. And despite the millions spent in the research and development of new combative medications, the disease continues to spread and kill. Thousands continue to die every day.

While it is important to study the unique biology of HIVS (i.e., its causes, processes, developments and consequences), it is also critical to understand the social context in which the disease fatally spreads. The culture, the economics, the beliefs, the personalities and prejudices of a community are important factors to address when confronting this disease.

The Stop The Silence website addresses the social context of HIV/AIDS along with its biology.

Stop The Silence is simply intended to save lives – the lives of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students faced with the spread of HIV/AIDS.

This site is designed to connect HBCU students to HIV/AIDS services, including confidential HIV testing and counseling in their communities.

This site is committed to ensuring that you are well-equipped to make healthy, smart choices when it comes to matters of sex and HIV/AIDS. With compassion, honesty, and a little humor, this site will guide you through those challenging areas that inevitably show up along any sexual journey.

Rest assured that there is something here for everyone—male or female, gay or straight. Each section of the site is meant to be unique – just as each one of us is a unique individual.

We encourage you to empower yourself with the information presented to protect your health, your future and your life.