Baton Rouge, La (NBC33) — AIDS awareness is the focus of an event on Southern University's campus as part of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Speakers talked to more than 500 students on how to reduce their chances of getting the virus. There were also booths set up with information on HIV and AIDS, where students got the chance to take an AIDS test.

"We want these students to be aware of what's going on in the area around them, especially like we said with Baton Rouge being second with the AIDS rate,” stated Darnell Pledger, HIV/AIDS prevention coordinator. “It's important for us to get that information out to students and properly educate them on ways to keep themselves protected."

Baton Rouge is second in the nation in the rate of AIDS cases. The only city ahead of Baton Rouge is Miami.