Medical students prepare for Red Aware Day

Play your part in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS by wearing red this Wednesday, August 24 at UQ’s first Red Aware Day event.

As part of HIV/AIDS Awareness Week, Towards International Medical Equality (TIME) will provide important information about the disease while raising funds for research and community programs.

“This is the first time UQ has hosted a Red Aware Day, and we think it is appropriate to start a tradition in regard as HIV/AIDS is such an important and often under-represented topic in student affairs,” event co-convenor and second year medical student David Sparks said.

From 10am–2pm on the Grassy Knoll, TIME invites the public to participate in a variety of free events including music, raffles, prizes, free gifts, and a variety of stalls with
information about safe sex, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

“In developed countries like Australia, most cases of HIV are a result of intravenous drug use or unsafe sex. The promotion of safe sex is one of the simplest ways to help reduce the prevalence of the disease,” event co-convenor and second year medical student Katherine Gridley said.

Oxfam UQ, Queensland Health, and the Gay and Lesbian Welfare Association will also be providing information about advocacy and current medical and social research.

“By promoting safe sex and offering advice on the health services available, we hope to encourage people to have a better understanding of the disease and how they can look after themselves,” Ms Gridley said.

In addition to Red Awareness Day, a Red Party will be held on Thursday, August 25 at the Fringe Bar in Fortitude Valley.

Tickets for the 7:30pm event are $15 at the door, with additional donations being accepted throughout the night. The goal is to raise $5000 for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and other international organisations.

TIME is the largest and most influential medical student global health group in Queensland, which aims to educate and enhance student involvement concerning global health.

Following Red Awareness Day, TIME will also host the TIME Fashion Parade held at the Old Museum Thursday at 7.30pm on September 29.

Media: David Sparks (liaison@timeuq.edu.org), Katherine Gridley (Katherine.gridley@uqconnect.edu.au), or Allison Rock from UQ Communications (07 3365 2619, a.rock1@uq.edu.au)