To promote awareness for sexually transmitted infections, Murray State University and the local health department plan to coordinate testing events through the next several months.

Called Man Up Mondays, the campaign is a national health movement to encourage students to improve their health behaviors by receiving free HIV and STI tests from the university’s health services.

If not treated, these infections can cause acute health problems and possibly increase the difficulty of treatment, according to Judy Lyle, interim associate director Murray State’s Health Services department.

To receive the free testing, students should call Health Services to set up an appointment on the following Mondays: March 4, April 8 and May 6 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prior to taking the test, students cannot chew gum, drink or eat for 15 minutes and will have to wait 30 minutes for the test if they brush their teeth or use mouthwash.

Students should write “Man Up” at the bottom of the sign-in form at Health Services to receive the rapid screen testing. Results will take 20 minutes to complete, and while waiting for the results, a nurse will discuss risk factors and prevention.

To help promote the campaign on campus, MSU Alliance will hand out pamphlets and free condoms in the Curris Center the week before each Man Up Monday.

For more information on Man Up Monday, go online at www.manupmonday.org or campus.murraystate.edu/health/ManUpMonday.html.