Course Summary

I am really glad I took this course and I believe that all students should take it. Because STI's are so prevalent in younger populations, young people such as college students should educate themselves to prevent the spread of STI's and other diseases so that they can remain healthy. It would be great if this subject material were covered more thoroughly in high schools as well so that by the time students get to college, where they are likely to become sexually active, they are aware of the health risks and can protect themselves better.
Some of the best information I received in this class was the statistical information on STI's. I was really shocked to learn that 3 out of 4 people will contract a form of HPV at some point. I was glad to see so much information on the various methods of prophylactics available and also information about resources on campus and in the community to obtain sexual healthcare. I would have liked to see more information about government funding for prevention and treatment of STI's, particularly through Planned Parenthood, which is a resource many young people use throughout the country. It would have been very interesting to incorporate information on how politics has influences such funding has changed throughout the years.

Bob Skinner's Lecture

Bob's lecture on his experiences with AIDS was very interesting and I was suprised at the high cost of the drugs necessary to treat AIDS. He said that the antiretroviral medications can cost thousands of dollars every month. This seems very high and is obviously out of reach of most patients. I learned that Medicaid and Medicare programs help cover the costs of such drugs but that most insurance companies do not.
I had hoped to learn more about Bob's personal experience with HIV/AIDS, such as how his family and friends reacted to his diagnosis and what kind of support he has found in the community. However, Bob focused his talk more on the politics of AIDS.
I think Bob's experience of living with AIDS is probably very different from most people dealing with the disease because unlike many people worldwide, he has had access to drugs which have extended his life and a network of community support for his condition. Most people worldwide, however, live with life-altering stigma and fear of those around them and do not have access to decent healthcare.
Bob talked about how HIV is transmitted mainly via hetersexual intercourse in rural regions and how the rights of women in many rural communities limit the prevention of this transmission route. Living in such rural areas also makes access to quality healthcare difficult, especially when finances and transportation are limited.