Awareness groups around the world have rallied together this month to educate the public about AIDS. December has been designated AIDS Awareness Month and various Ann Arbor groups have organized to bring a variety of informational events to campus. These events range from free HIV testing and counseling to lectures and forums to poetry readings - a variety of creative activities with the common purpose of education.

Some of the most visible symbols of this month's events are the red ribbons passed out by the participating educational groups. Along with the ribbons, students have been given information about the spread of H.I.V. and ways to prevent the spread of the disease. The ribbons have been a positive way for members from all parts of the University community to express support for a common cause.

Students have also had incredible access to pamphlets citing statistics that showcase the numbers of HIV and AIDS victims. The numbers are startling and demonstrate the urgent need to develop more creative awareness campaigns, like the poetry slam, geared toward prevention. Along with a scare campaign using pictures and numbers, the organizers of the awareness month have also designed a campaign to teach about preventive measures.

Events like those that have been planned this week - relaxed and non-intimidating, with the sole goal of life-saving through education should also serve to make people more comfortable discussing AIDS issues in the open and in turn expand the success of prevention efforts.

Even though December might be the only month designated for AIDS awareness, it is important to consider that each day thousands of people live with the disease. While the AIDS awareness events provide excellent sources of information for students and Ann Arbor residents, the groups organizing these events should be applauded for their ongoing efforts to promote awareness about AIDS throughout the year. A "no glove, no love" promotion, to encourage the use of condoms has been used around the nation to educate about the importance of using protection. Throughout the year, University Health Service also offers students an array of protective means, such as condoms in a variety of colors, styles and flavors.

While students do not often communicate concerns about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, the risks are high, especially for young adults younger than 25 since they compromise approximately half of new HIV infections. University students must understand the situation at hand and take responsibility for their actions. While the numbers for HIV- infected people might not be as dramatic in Ann Arbor as other parts of the world, STDs are a relevant and imminent danger for many residents. With the help of events like those of AIDS awareness week and month, through the use of preventive methods and responsible action, University students can best protect themselves and their partners from sexually transmitted diseases.