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FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY OBSERVES NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY AND PROMOTES “HIV TESTING IS SELF-CARE” THEME.
June 24, 2022
Pensacola, Fla. –In observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), the Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) is participating in two community-based NHTD events. The events aim to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and knowing your HIV status. Testing is the first step in maintaining a healthy life and reducing the spread of HIV. This year’s theme is “HIV Testing Is Self-Care.” The two events are free and open to the public.
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 1.2 million people in the United States have HIV and about 15 percent of those individuals do not know they are infected. In Escambia County, there were 1,353 persons living with HIV or AIDS at the end of 2020. 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 FDOH-Escambia HIV/AIDS Program at 860-595-6500 x 1500 or visit www.EscambiaHealth.com.
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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.
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