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WORLD AIDS DAY IS ON DEC. 1

By FDOH-Escambia

November 24, 2020

Pensacola, Fla. – In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is participating in an event to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and knowing your HIV status. This year’s theme is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact.” The event is open and free to the public.

What: World AIDS Day

When: Tuesday, December 1, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: Brentwood Center (Corner of Brent Lane and Hwy 29) 15 Brent Ln, Pensacola, FL 32503

Event attendees will learn about HIV prevention and receive a free OraQuick rapid HIV self-test kit, while supplies last. This easy-to-use test kit uses an oral fluid swab sample to rapidly test for the virus and can be done from the comfort of your home.

The CDC estimates that 1.2 million people in the US are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. One in seven are unaware of their HIV infection.

Since 2015, Escambia County has seen the rate of HIV/AIDS related deaths decrease by 14%, thanks in large measures to people staying in care and adhering to their treatment. With an estimated 1,365 persons living with HIV or AIDS in Escambia County, 81% have been placed in care and 89% have achieved a suppressed viral load. This is key in preventing new HIV infections because according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when one is virally suppressed, one cannot sexually transmit HIV. 

“HIV treatment works! The medication has greatly improved over the years with availability of a daily single-pill regimen. Prevention also works! We encourage both partners to get tested before intimacy and share the results with each other. We also encourage people to reduce their number of partners or get into a mutually monogamous relationship,” said Area 1 HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator, Maurice Moody.

CDC recommends all adolescents and adults (ages 13–64) should be tested for HIV at least once during their lifetime. Persons at increased risk for HIV should be tested annually.

Learn more about HIV prevention strategies and Florida’s plan to eliminate HIV transmission and reduce HIV-related deaths. For more event information, call 850-595-6500, ext. 1500 or 1503.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyEscambia and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov