Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
What We All Need to Know
Guidelines for Handling Blood & Body Fluids
Recent statistics show a significant increase nationally in the number of AIDS cases reported in the past year. In addition, recent statistics from the Center for Disease Control indicate that over 500,000 Americans now have AIDS and that many more have been infected by the virus (HIV). Most of these people do not know they are carriers. The AIDS epidemic continues to be of concern nationally and, therefore, it must also concern each of us at Middlebury. Members of our community have received treatment for the virus which causes AIDS.
We believe it is important that you understand what resources are available on campus in the areas of education, diagnosis, treatment, and support. We also believe it is important that we inform you of the policy guidelines at Middlebury.
The American College Health Association (ACHA) provides a series of guidelines for college policy based on facts from the best recent medical data available. Middlebury College has used those guidelines and adapted them to our particular needs.
ACHA recommends that colleges not adopt blanket policies concerning students with AIDS or AIDS-related conditions. Rather, it suggests that certain guidelines be followed and that the college analyze and respond to each case individually. Middlebury College has established a committee of three people whose responsibility it is to do this.
1) Mark Peluso, M.D., Director, Parton Health Center
2) Gary Margolis, Ph.D., Director of Counseling & Human Relations
3) Ann Hanson, Dean of Student Affairs
In order to provide essential medical support, appropriate health and hygiene counseling and related assistance, any member of the community who has tested positive for HIV or who has AIDS or an AIDS-related condition are strongly recommended to consult with either the college Health Center or their own physician. In addition, individuals who are HIV positive or who have AIDS, are asked to consult with one of the individual named above. Responses to such occurrences will be guided both by Middlebury's commitment to the protection of individual rights, including confidentiality, and by necessary consideration of the community public health interest. A complete copy of the Middlebury College HIV Policy is available through the Office of Health and Wellness Education, Parton Health Center or the Dean of Students Affairs Office.
If you think you may have been exposed to AIDS or have symptoms of AIDS, we strongly urge you to make contact with the College Health Center. Through the Health Center you will receive information, evaluation, counseling and support, and education regarding testing options. Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with laws governing the privacy of medical information.
It is important that we all be acquainted with the latest information concerning AIDS. We strongly urge each of you to read the enclosed handouts which contain guidelines for handling blood and body fluids, and information on HIV, which everyone needs to know. Additional information pamphlets, and free condoms are available to all members of the community at the Parton Health Center in the waiting room and in the stairwell on the east end of Carr Hall. If you have any questions regarding AIDS, we encourage you to speak to a nurse at the Health Center. Or if you prefer to speak with a resource outside of the College, we encourage you to call the toll-free hotline at the Vermont Health Department (1-800-882-AIDS). This information is free and calls are confidential.
Remember studies and guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and the Public Health Service indicate that individuals with AIDS or AIDS-related conditions do not pose a health risk to others through casual contact. Available evidence indicates that AIDS is transmitted only intimate sexual contact or by exposure to contaminated blood.
When transmission of the HIV virus is from blood it is usually transmitted by injection of the contaminated blood, however it is theoretically possible for the virus to enter one's body via blood spills onto mucous members or breaks in the skin such as scratches. Therefore, it is prudent to use protective barrier methods whenever you come in contact with someone's blood. If you render first aid to a person who is bleeding, use a protective barrier (such as gloves) between your skin and the bleeding site.
We strongly advise that you contact the custodial staff to clean any blood spills and not attempt to clean them yourself. If you are interested in additional information or a pair of disposable gloves, please stop by Parton Health Center.