December 1, 2025 | By Nick Pfost
Spectrum Center is excited to announce a new series of resource videos designed to make learning about HIV and AIDS accessible, accurate, and engaging for everyone. Created by Spencer Hall and Sebas Abbate, the brief lessons cover essential topics including:
- HIV & AIDS 101—clarifying key facts, transmission, and differences between HIV and AIDS
- History of HIV & AIDS—overview from 1981 through 2025 in the U.S.
- PEP & DoxyPEP 101—current landscape in post-exposure prevention and emerging treatments
- PrEP 101—overview of pre-exposure prophylaxis, effectiveness, and decision points
These videos help viewers cut through complex information quickly. Available now on the center's "Sexual health and testing" hub, you can easily play through the playlist or jump to specific topics.
Making information accessible
“In my time overseeing sexual health and working with partners, I learned that many students weren’t aware of the HIV prevention options available today, like PrEP and PEP,” said Spencer Hall, Spectrum Center’s support services and wellness advocate. “That gap inspired us to create access to this information in a way that’s easily digestible. We realized short, engaging videos could be truly accessible—and that we couldn’t talk about prevention without also explaining the basics: what HIV and AIDS are, and critical context from their 45-year history.”
Why is this resource needed? Despite major advances in prevention and treatment, many myths and misunderstandings persist. Our video series combines up-to-date science research, real-world insights, and straightforward explanations—making it relevant for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding or support others.
Fighting persistent myths
The videos also challenge and correct common myths and misconceptions.
“HIV and AIDS are not the same thing,” Hall highlighted. “Our ‘101’ video shows how they’re connected, but also distinct.”
“There are also a lot of misunderstandings about HIV transmission, so we break those down in our HIV & AIDS and PEP videos.”
“And last, PrEP isn’t just for gay men; it’s for anyone who wants to have safer sex and protect themselves from HIV, regardless of their gender, sexuality, or relationship status.”
Ready to get started? In about 30 minutes, you can explore the history, learn about prevention options like PrEP, PEP, and DoxyPEP, and ensure your information is current and reliable. Visit our “Sexual health and testing” page to view the playlist, or share these quick lessons with others.
For more information or to share your feedback, contact us at [email protected].
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