Pensacola, Fla. – In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is offering free HIV rapid testing to eligible persons at several barber shops. These testing opportunities raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and knowing your HIV status.

What: Free HIV Rapid Testing, in advance of World AIDS Day

Who: Anyone ages 13 and up

When and Where:

• Thursday, November 4: FDOH-Escambia, 1295 W. Fairfield Dr. from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. CT

The following dates from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT

• Friday, November 5: AHW Barber Academy, 3822 N. 9^th
• Saturday, November 6: Hypnotized Kutz, 5330 Mobile Hwy, Ste. B3
• Thursday, November 11: VIP Barbershop, 5100 N. 9^th
• Friday, November 12: The Blaze Barbershop, 15 Brent LN. Ste. 8
• Thursday, November 18: Custom Cutz, 3720 W. Navy Blvd.
• Friday, November 19: Ahmad Cutz, 4120 Barrancas Ave.
• Wednesday, December 1: FDOH-Escambia, 1295 W. Fairfield Dr.
• Wednesday, December 1: FDOH-Okaloosa in Crestview, 810 E. James Lee Blvd.

Additional Information: Everyone who gets tested will have their names placed in a raffle for an opportunity to win prizes, such as gift cards or a flat-screen TV. Community partners who helped sponsor this initiative include Red Ribbon Charitable Foundation, Inc., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Lakeview PHASE Program, Together We Weather, Inc., and Humana.

Since 1981, World AIDS Day has been celebrated annually on the first day of December. The commemoration has become one of the most recognized international health days. As such, there are key opportunities to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories. Victories of note include the increased access to treatment and prevention services, 4^th generation testing, PrEP, and the annual reduction of new cases of HIV in the U.S. over the past four years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. About 13 percent are unaware of their HIV infection and need testing. In Escambia County, there are more than 1,300 people living with HIV.

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 1506.

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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.