DOH Leon Recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 2, 2022

DOH Leon Joins Partners for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Tallahassee, Fla—Monday, February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). NBHAAD started in 1999 as a grassroots-education effort to help stop HIV stigma and increase HIV prevention, testing, and treatment in Black communities. The Florida Department of Health in Leon County (DOH Leon) supports NBHAAD and joins key partners for a special health and community-focused event.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2018, Black/African American people accounted for 13% of the U.S. population but 42% (16,002) of the 37,968 new HIV diagnoses. In Leon County, 69 percent of all people diagnosed with HIV during 2020 identified as African American or Black. 

“These statistics challenge all of us to work to eliminate unacceptable health disparities by ramping up our HIV prevention efforts, encouraging individuals to get tested, and helping those who are living with HIV to access the life-saving medical treatment they need,” said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, DOH Leon Interim Health Officer.

In recognition of NBHAAD in Leon County, DOH Leon and Neighborhood Medical Center will host a drive-through style community outreach event with local vendors.  The celebration will include free HIV testing and education along with a free food giveaway, and more.  The event is open to all and scheduled on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Lincoln Neighborhood Center (438 W. Brevard Street).

Now, more than ever before, HIV is preventable.  Taking PrEP and using condoms reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. Prevention may also the form of regular testing for HIV.

Visit DOH Leon’s website or call 850-404-6240 for more information on its HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Division.

Learn more about testing options in your area or to order a free at-home HIV testing kit mailed directly to the address of your choice, visit KnowYourHIVStatus.com. You can also call the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-FLA-AIDS, 1-800-545-SIDA (en Español), or 1-800-AIDS-101 (in Creole) for more information.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, 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 @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.

Follow the Florida Department of Health in Leon County on Twitter at @healthyleonfl

Written by: 

Pamela Saulsby | Public Information Officer