Miss America 1998 Kate Shindle will appear on campus today to educate
students about a deadly disease killing thousands of Americans.
Shindle will be the guest speaker at the University Center Ballroom today
from noon to 1 p.m. Shindle’s platform program is entitled, “On the Way to
a Cure: Preventing HIV Transmission in America.”
The program is part of the Wellness Week 1998 campaign which began March 2
and ends March 6. The theme for the week long event is, “Make the
Connection: Uniting Body, Mind, and Spirit.”
Rosa Thomas, University of Tennessee wellness coordinator, invites
everyone to come and share in this critical learning experience.
“Everyone is welcome to participate in this event and others we have
scheduled. Events like this should be the concern of all,” Thomas said.
Thomas will also present some beneficial programs available for
students.
Shindle’s platform will focus on the consciousness of people today, and how
it relates to preventive measures that can be used to combat the
disease.
Contrary to what some may believe, AIDS/HIV is still an incurable deadly
disease that affects many in society. So many that more than 8,000 people
worldwide are infected daily.
Whether it’s from unprotected sex, medically unsupervised drug use, or a
person’s poor judgment, AIDS/HIV can be overcome. Shindle said it is never
too late to start taking corrective action.
Corrective action solutions would include condom distribution.
Communicating with others about sex and the dangers of unprotected sex
would encompass what Shindle considers preventive measures.
Thomas urges sexually active people to use good judgment and agrees it
should be everyone’s concern.
“Individuals need to understand the risk involved with unprotected sex. It
will take the responsibility of not one, but of all,” Thomas said.
Moreover, Thomas concluded it is foolish for others to try and downplay the
AIDS/HIV in any form of discussion. “It is like seeing people put their
heads in the ground like an ostrich and not address the real issue,” Thomas
said.
“The preventive maintenance of contracting the disease begins with each
person. Partners in a sexual relationships need to one, abstain from any
sexual acts, two, be tested, and three, know your partner or who they have
been with,” she added.
Overall, Shindle wants the younger generation to listen to what she has to
say. With these two elements combined, she feels they will enable the youth
of today to make informed educated decisions.
Shindle, who has ambitions of having a career in musical theater, has been
honored for her efforts.
She has also worked for the Clinton Administrations drug czar. Her
education includes a double major in theater and sociology. Furthermore,
she has collaborated with the National Minority AIDS Council and the
National AIDS Fund.
For more information concerning this program and others contact
974-3135.
