Last week, a Clarion story on the tuberculosis (TB) screening and testing program at the DU Health and Counseling Center (HCC) referenced a seriously misperceived concern of discrimination against our International students.

The HCC, working under guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American College Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, began a TB screening program this winter. We started by testing the populations from the countries identified as highest risk as defined by the WHO.

Please understand, the ultimate plan for TB screening has always encompassed all students at DU, not just international students.

The registration hold mentioned in the article is no different than those already in place at DU for proof of mumps, measles and rubella vaccination and receipt of meningococcal vaccine information, as required by Colorado law.

Our program is similar to TB programs at other universities in the Rocky Mountain region and nationwide that test students from countries with high rates of TB.

At the HCC, we understand students want to be healthy and live a life free of disease. The TB program is aimed at protecting the health and wellness of everyone in the DU community.  The program should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or singled out.

We believe our messages and emails to students were clear, concise and factual.

The Asian Student Alliance was also involved in publicizing the program. We made every effort to be clear about our goals and to be sensitive to student concerns.

There have been two fatal cases of TB among Colorado college students in recent years; testing may have prevented these tragedies. At the HCC, we are devoted to keeping our students and our community healthy.

TB is a serious public health concern, but it’s also treatable when detected early.

We encourage all students to get screened.

Any questions can be directed to the HCC at 303-871-7785.