Its the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

It's a day to honor loved ones lost by HIV or AIDS, and a chance to bring awareness to the disease.

CSU-Pueblo had a special program for World AIDS Day--all day students on campus were wearing red ribbons, and they had the chance to get tested for HIV and various STDs for free.

33 million people worldwide are infected with AIDS. One million of them are in the United States, with an alarming amount of cases right here in Colorado.

"Here in Pueblo County alone, we have over 150 cases diagnosed, but it's estimated more than 1,200 people in southeastern Colorado already have HIV and don't know," says Jolene Hausman, HIV Outreach Director, Glendale 4.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment shows in El Paso County, nearly 700 people are living with HIV or AIDS.

Thats why on this 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. health officials are on campus at CSU-Pueblo, giving free HIV and STD testing.

"I think it's always important to know your status," says Shane Weindmeyer, Executive Director, Campus Pride.
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CSU-Pueblo health officials say the group with the fastest growing number of HIV cases in the United States is college students.

"Its important that college students, regardless of their age, learn a little bit more about what is HIV and AIDS, how to prevent it and how to take care of loved ones who have the disease," says Weindmeyer.

CSU-Pueblo student Matthew Mata says his girlfriend encouraged him to get the free testing.

"She gets tested of course once a year, and she just thought that maybe I should get tested as well. That way we both are tested and cleared. That way we don't have to worry about any scares or worries later on down the road," says Mata.

The results of his blood work will take a few days, and by then he'll be positive--that he's negative.

CSU-Pueblo's observance of World Aids Day continues until 8 pm at the University Center.