Florida health officials promote National HIV Testing Day activities

~National HIV Testing Day – June 27th~

 

June 27 marks the 20th annual observance of National HIV Testing Day. This observance promotes the importance of HIV testing and education to help stop the spread of HIV. One of the most important steps in preventing HIV is to get tested and know your status, as well as the status of your partner.

 

Florida has been heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The state continues to rank third in the nation in the cumulative number of AIDS cases (126,581 in 2012) and second in the nation in the cumulative number of HIV cases (49,058 in 2012). The Florida Department of Health estimates that approximately 130,000 individuals are living with HIV disease in Florida. Of those persons living with HIV disease, 49% are black, 29% are white and 20% are Hispanic. Men represent 70% of the cases. Persons over the age of 45 years represent 60% of the cases.

 

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County encourages all Floridians to get tested and know their status. Those at particular risk for contracting HIV include anyone who practices unprotected sex, ever had a pre-existing sexually transmitted disease, or ever used intravenous drugs.

 

The first and one of the most important steps in the fight against HIV/AIDS is being aware of one’s own status. About 1 in 6 people are living with HIV and don’t know it.

 

Some of the activities planned in Key West to mark National HIV Testing Day are as follows:

 

June 25 Rapid HIV and rapid Hepatitis testing St. Peter’s Episcopal Church Thrift store, 800 Center Street, Key West; 11AM to 5PM
June 26 Rapid HIV and rapid Hepatitis testing Roosevelt Sands Clinic, 105 Olivia Street, Key West

10AM to 7PM
June 27 Rapid HIV Testing only Truman Avenue Bookstore, 922 Truman Avenue, Key West; 5PM to 8PM

 

You can also find an HIV/STD test site 24/7 at www.hivtest.org or Test your zip code to “KNOWIT” (566-948).  More information can be found here or by visiting www.floridahealth.gov.

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