This year, more Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) students, faculty and staff joined the more than a thousand who have been tested during the institute’s annual HIV/AIDS awareness event since its inception 11 years ago.
On hand to facilitate the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) free HIV testing event were healthcare workers from the HIV and AIDS Centre of the Ministry of Health and Wellness. In front row from left to right are BTVI’s nurse, Christon Deveaux; HIV and AIDS Centre representatives, Raquel Newbold, Sharon Adderley, Britney Miller and Vianna Williams; BTVI’s nurse, Voreetis Barr and Ministry of Health and Wellness nurse, Uvi Johnson. To the rear are HIV and AIDS Centre representatives, Keith Kemp and Shavantee Bowleg.
Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) students, faculty and staff recently queued to get tested and know their HIV/AIDS status. On hand to facilitate the free testing were healthcare workers and representatives from the HIV and AIDS Centre of the Ministry
of Health and Wellness, which gave pre and post-test counseling. The rapid test required a finger prick and a 15-to-20-minute wait time for status results.
As BTVI plays an integral role in producing globally competitive and economically independent workers, it also prioritizes individual health and wellness.
BTVI supports and encourages HIV/AIDS testing and has ensured that its students and campus community can get tested and know their status for the last 11 years. With HIV/AIDS being one of the leading causes of deaths among young people, BTVI’s efforts are also directly aligned with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ goal to decrease the spread of the deadly disease through education, protection and treatment, as over 1,000 tests have been completed at the institute’s annual testing event to date. It is inherently important for people to know that HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence and knowledge can save lives. Hence, BTVI’s Student Affairs department makes the HIV/AIDS
testing day a priority on its calendar of events.
