Pensacola, Fla. – In observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia), along with other community partners, is participating in two community-based NBHAAD events to increase awareness, spark conversations, and highlight the work being done to reduce HIV in the Black community and show support for people with HIV.

On Saturday, February 6, 2021, free HIV testing and Hepatitis A vaccination will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1300 W. Gregory Street in Pensacola. Those who get tested will receive free earbuds and will automatically be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a prize. Take home test kits will also be available.

On Sunday, February 7, 2021, a virtual boot-camp will stream live on facebook.com/togetherweweather850 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tune in to enjoy a free and fun workout with three local certified trainers: Larry Brown, Linda “Sonshine” Moorer, and Dee Wenze. The winners of the raffle will also be announced.

NBHAAD 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, Blacks accounted for 42% of the 37,968 new HIV diagnoses in the United States in 2018, while constituting only 13% of the population. In 2019, Escambia County also saw a disproportionate impact where blacks accounted for 57% of the new HIV diagnoses while making up only 23% of the population.  FDOH-Escambia’s focused outreach, testing, and education efforts aims 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 EscambiaHealth.com

###

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.