The second HIV/AIDS Awareness Block Party, an event designed to increase knowledge about the virus and ways to stay safe, took place Thursday, Jully 31 in the Union Courtyard on Florida State University's campus.

The Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, who sponsored the event, strives to stay very connected to the world and was originally drawn to this philanthropy because of the devastation this widespread disease has wreaked on African children, according to the group's members. This year, however, the block party hits closer to home.

"This year's HIV/AIDS Awareness Block Party is dedicated to our brother, Wade Collins," said Micah Johnson, the event's founder and past president of Phi Beta Sigma. "He has an immediate relative who contracted the virus. This happened way after the event was planned, but this reinforced it."

The block party featured free pizza and soda, distribution of contraceptives and music provided by Blazin' 102.3. The event also focused on providing students with health information and offering free HIV/AIDS testing.

Big Bend Cares, the local HIV/AIDS service organization, conducted the free testing at the block party. They also provide services to HIV/AIDS community members.

The virus is more commonplace in this area than many would think, impacting large numbers of people.

"What college students need to pay attention to is that we live in a state that is third in the nation for HIV cases, and we are first in the nation for HIV infections from heterosexual sex," said Melissa Walton, director of development at Big Bend Cares. "If you've ever had unprotected sex, you need to get tested so that you know your status."

Big Bend Cares advises that other than abstinence, the best way to be safe is to know and talk to your partner, and most importantly, to use barrier protection every time you have sex.

"Safe sex is hot sex," said Angelo Bomasuto, Spectrum project coordinator with Big Bend Cares.

Also in attendance at the event was the Leon County Health Department Office of Minority Health, which had pamphlets on numerous issues that affect all types of people, specifically minority groups, and the Thagard Student Health Center HIV Clinic, which gave out free condoms and information.

"I started in October 2007 and since that time I have tested positive students here on campus," said Melvena Wilson, Thagard's HIV Clinic coordinator. "They have tested positive for herpes, genital warts, chlamydia and gonorrhea. There are real risks for these diseases, even at FSU."

HIV/AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases, can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Thus, the spread of STDs is possible through contamination by unprotected genitals, oral sex and other acts.

College students may assume that they are not at risk for these infections, and therefore do not feel the need to take precautions accordingly.

"Yes, I am a Greek. Yes, I was a football jock," Johnson said. "But it should never, under any circumstances, be socially acceptable to practice unprotected sex and put your health at risk."

FSU junior Debeka Bennett said she felt the relaxed and fun atmosphere drew in more of a crowd.

"I think it's a good idea because making it a block party draws people to attend and learn about HIV/AIDS," Bennett said.

While the music radiated throughout the Oglesby Union Courtyard, Blazin' 102.3 conducted dance competitions with concert tickets as prizes. However, there was still a sense of the critical importance of the event.

"We're killing each other with our love," said Johnson. "Our expression of affection is the cause of our destruction. Isn't that sad?"