U.S. National Library of Medicine: All About Us

During Alabama A&M University's annual National Library Week celebration, the Drake LRC hosted a free heath fair for students and the local community on Monday, April 8, 2019.  Vendors in attendance were Thrive Alabama, Ms. Tanisha Smith of the AAMU Health and Counseling Services, and Ms. Shikambra Cooper, a junior at AAMU who is studying Nutrition. 

On April 8, 2019, Alabama A&M University hosted a free heath fair for students and the local community. In attendance were Thrive Alabama, Ms. Tanisha Smith of the AAMU Health and Counseling Services, and Ms. Shikambra Cooper, a junior at AAMU who is studying Nutrition. 

Thrive Alabama is the premiere Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic in North Alabama. They provide confidential testing for a variety of STIs, as well as counseling for patients on risk reduction behaviors and what to do if they have tested positive. 

Thrive Alabama test and treat:

• Chlamydia A common bacterial STI that can infect men or women. Symptoms are usually mild but can result in complications later. Untreated chlamydia infections can progress into pelvic inflammatory disease in women. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Chlamydia can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

  Gonorrhea A bacterial STI sometimes called “the clap.” Gonorrhea can infect the urinary tract, vagina, rectum or the throat. Some people who get the disease display no symptoms. But when symptoms are present, they can include vaginal or penile discharge or bleeding, painful urination, anal itching or painful bowel movements, blood or mucus in the feces, or a sore throat. Gonorrhea is transmitted through unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex. The infection is treatable with antibiotics.

  Herpes Genital herpes is a common STI that is caused by a virus. Most people who carry the virus don’t have symptoms, but even without symptoms, the virus can be spread to sexual partners. There is no cure, but medicine is available to shorten the duration of outbreaks.

  HIV At our STI clinic, we can provide a free, quick-result HIV test for anyone who requests one. Should you test positive with that test, we will make arrangements for you to have a confirmatory test done in our primary care clinic and work with you from there to manage the results.

  Syphilis An STI caused by bacteria that enters the body through skin during sex or close physical contact with an infected person. The first symptom is a red, painless ulcer – a chancre – on the penis or just inside the vagina or rectum. The chancre will emit a clear fluid for 3 to 8 weeks and then heal, but you are still able to infect others. Secondary or tertiary syphilis happens after the bacteria spreads throughout the body. Symptoms then include fever, joint pain, fatigue, enlarged lymph nodes, eye issues, or a copper-colored rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Eventually, the disease can attack the brain or heart and be fatal. Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics if diagnosed early.

  Urinary tract issues Infections of the urinary tract can also cause pain, irritation, and itching. Usually treated with antibiotics.

  Vaginitis A medical term that refers to any type inflammation or infection of the vagina. There can be multiple causes but it is treatable.

Mrs. Tanisha Smith, is a member of the AAMU Health and Counseling Services staff.  Mrs. Smith's role is to uphold the mission of the unit to "promote the well-being of the Alabama A&M University community and generate a healthy campus culture by providing integrative healthcare services based on industry best practices by promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual development in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment."

The Student Health and Counseling Services Vision is to (1) Provide high quality care that meets the mental, physical, and emotional needs of the Alabama A&M University Community (2) Treat everyone with dignity, respect, and sensitivity, and (3) commit to on-going training and professional growth and development.

Their values are rooted in their ability to 1) Maintain strict confidentiality, function in a professional atmosphere, and hold to the highest clinical and ethical standard of care 2) Provide accessible and receptive culturally competent care that supports the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle 3) Promote self-awareness, teach effective self-care and wellness strategies and encourage personal responsibility and empowerment.

Ms. Shikambra Cooper, a Mobile, AL native, is an AAMU junior majoring in Nutrition.  Her goal is to provide the community with healthy eating through locally sourced foods.