Pensacola, Fla. – In observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia), in partnership with the AHW Barber Academy and Lakeview’s PHASE Program, are participating in a community-based NHTD event. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of HIV prevention, testing, and knowing your HIV status. Testing is the first step in maintaining a healthy life and reducing the spread of HIV. The NHTD event is free and open to the public.

            What: National HIV Testing Day Event

            When: Saturday, June 26, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT

            Where: 3822 N 9^th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32503 (corner of 9^th Ave and Fairfield Drive)

Event attendees will learn about HIV prevention and those who are tested will receive wireless earbuds, while supplies last. The AHW Barber Academy will offer a 50% discount on haircuts to those who are tested. Food will be available. Free Hepatitis-A vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines will also be available, while supplies last.

NHTD is an annual observance to encourage people to get an HIV test. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine health care. People at higher risk should get tested more often.

According to the CDC, about 1.1 million people in the United States have HIV, and about 14 percent of those individuals do not know they are infected. In Escambia County, there were 1,365 persons living with HIV or AIDS at the end of 2019. FDOH-Escambia’s focused outreach, testing, and education efforts aim to encourage everyone to get tested and know their HIV status.

For more information about HIV/AIDS resources, contact the FDOH-Escambia HIV/AIDS Program at 850-595-6500 x 1500 or visit www.EscambiaHealth.com.

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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.