In observance of World AIDS Day, Open Arms Healthcare Center, a Mississippi-based community clinic, brought free, confidential HIV testing services to Alcorn State University (ASU). The organization set up its mobile clinic truck down from the ASU Bookstore, offering walk-up testing to students throughout the afternoon.
The event was part of Open Arms’ effort to increase awareness, encourage early detection, and reduce stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS among young adults. “We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, dependable health care close to home,” said Aaron Jones, Clinical Community Program Coordinator with Open Arms Healthcare Center. Jones said college students are a priority, as many do not have regular access to testing or medical care. “HIV often has no symptoms for years, so the only way to know is to get tested. It’s better to know your status than not.”
Open Arms has been touring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across Mississippi with the mission to “normalize testing” and make it a routine part of student health. Jones explained that testing should be viewed like any other preventive measure. “Getting tested is a smart, mature choice, just like getting a physical or checking your blood pressure.” Students were able to stop by the mobile clinic for a quick, confidential test that took only a few minutes to complete. Staff also provided educational materials on prevention, including information about PrEP (a once daily pill that offers 99% protection against HIV when taken as prescribed) and how to access ongoing care at Open Arms’ main facility in Jackson. Jones noted that turnout was impacted by cold weather and foot traffic patterns, but students still participated throughout the afternoon. “When people saw others come out and get tested, more felt comfortable joining in,” he said.
Young adults remain at higher risk of HIV transmission nationwide, making campus outreach essential. Jones emphasized that normalizing testing helps break stigma and encourages students to take control of their health. “This isn’t about judgment — it’s about reality, responsibility, and taking care of yourself.”
Open Arms plans to return to Alcorn and other campuses in the future. The organization’s long-term goal aligns with national efforts to reduce new HIV infections. “We’re trying to get to zero AIDS acquisition by 2030,” Jones said.
