University Health Services plans to launch a new anonymous HIV counseling and testing program for Harvard students on Nov. 18.

"This is a long-awaited and valuable service to Harvard students," said Julie Karp, HIV Task Force member and AIDS Education Outreach (AEO) representative.

Students can make an initial appointment for pre-test counseling and testing, and will use a pseudonym for identification instead of a Harvard ID number. During this visit, students will schedule a follow-up appointment to learn their serostatus and receive appropriate referrals.

The program was created through an innovative, collaborative process between Harvard/Radcliffe College students from Peer Contraceptive Counseling (PCC) and AEO, and University Health Services administrators.

"Peer counseling and health education groups have seen a great need for anonymous HIV testing," said Tobias Kasper, Task Force member and PCC representative. "We have had to refer students to off-campus testing sites to satisfy their desire for anonymous testing."

Anonymous HIV testing and counseling provides students with an accessible opportunity to learn about their serostatus and risk behaviors for HIV, help them initiate behavior change, develop a personal risk reduction plan, and offer them referrals for additional care as needed. In anonymous HIV testing and counseling, no identifying information such as name, address, or telephone number is gathered at any time.

Appointments can be made beginning Nov. 11, and are available one afternoon and morning each week. A $10 copayment charge will be made to defray part of the program costs. A number to call for anonymous testing will be available soon. For general information, call the Harvard Health Education Office at 495-9629.