AIDS Awareness Month began last Saturday and will continue to promote attentiveness until World AIDS Day on December 1. October is a time devoted to gaining a knowledge and an understanding of the disease, how it's contracted, ways it affects people, lengths done to prevent it and ways to be compassionate about it. Those who wish to show their understanding and support wear the red ribbons seen around campus.

AIDS is a completely preventable disease. It's everyone¹s responsibility to educate and protect themselves, yet youth under the age of 25 make up to 50 % of all new infections in the United States. The statistics are discouraging and although the focus for AIDS awareness is in October, education and prevention should be an everyday practice.

To promote Aids awareness at St. Olaf, Lincoln Inn, the AIDS honor house, has organized fundraisers and a speaker for October.

"Boo Grams" with candy and a note will be available for you to place in friend's P.O. boxes. "The Boo Grams will be sold in the commons sometime this month," Christine Larsen at the Lincoln Inn said. "Money received from the Boo Grams will be donated to an AIDS charity."

Senior John Taylor will also be speaking on how AIDS has had an impact on his family on the evening of Thursday, October 19. Posters will soon be up with the day and time for each event so keep your eyes pealed.

For more information about HIV, AIDS and/or related issues, check a local phonebook for a contact or call the toll-free national AIDS hotline 1-800-341-AIDS for resources close to you.