UpDate - Vol. 12, No. 19, Page 3
February 11, 1993
Wellspring program; Student Health Service offers confidential HIV tests

     Are you worried about whether you're an HIV antibody carrier? Did you
know that if you attend the University of Delaware, you can take advantage
of available testing?
     All University students have the opportunity to be tested for the HIV
virus through a free and convenient service offered by Wellspring, the
health education program provided by Student Health Services. The first
step is to make an appointment.
     According to Joyce Walter, coordinator of Wellspring, the service is a
"confidential, but not anonymous, program." Because the student health fee
pays for testing, a student's name and Social Security number must be given
to verify identification. This prevents a non-registered person from taking
advantage of free testing. Identification information is kept confidential,
and students may use a code number during the rest of the testing process.
     According to Walter, availability of testing has been relayed by word
of mouth and brochures available at Laurel Hall, located at the end of the
South Mall. This informal advertising seems to have worked because interest
in HIV testing has risen each year since the program started.
     Walter said the media also have influenced the number of students
seeking testing. Requests increase dramatically after highly publicized
events concerning HIV. In fact, requests for testing tripled after Magic
Johnson, an NBA basketball player, discussed his HIV status with the
public.
     In addition to testing for the virus, Wellspring provides counseling
for other health issues related to the HIV testing program. The procedure
is emotional no matter what the result because there are many related
issues surrounding it, she said.
     Anne Lomax, assistant director for health education in Student Health
Services, and Walter found that the testing causes students to realize
certain attitudes and sexual behaviors may not be healthy.
     Short-term counseling is done on site, and, when necessary, students
are referred to the Center for Counseling and Student Development for
long-term assistance. Wellspring works in conjunction with the counseling
center staff to help students gain perspective on the issues.
     For information about any of the Wellspring programs, call 831-8992.
                                        -Nicole Nye