National HIV Testing Day Health Fair 

Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Leon County is teaming up with a local sorority to celebrate National HIV Testing Day on June 27.

DOH-Leon and the Chi Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., will host a health fair that will include free and confidential HIV testing, health screenings, food, games and music. The fair will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on June 27 at DOH-Leon's Southside location (872 W. Orange Avenue). Admission is free.

"One of the cornerstones of good public health practice is to identify and prevent the spread of disease in a community," DOH-Leon Health Officer Claudia Blackburn said. "Getting tested for HIV ensures that our community members know their status and get linked to care and treatment services if they are positive. It allows people with a negative status to get the information they need to prevent future infection. The more people who know their HIV status, the better we can protect the health of individuals and the community at large."

According to the Florida Department of Health, Leon County ranks 16th out of Florida's 67 counties in terms of new HIV infections and 9th in terms of total number of AIDS cases.

This year’s National HIV Testing Day theme -- “Test Your Way. Do It Today.” -- serves as a reminder that HIV testing has never been more convenient because there are more places than ever to get tested.

DOH-Leon continues to forge partnerships that clear the way for additional HIV testing sites across Leon County. Most recently, the HIV prevention team partnered with the Leon County Public Library, the Family Worship and Praise Center and New Mt Zion AME Church.

“It’s important that everyone get tested, know their status and understand how to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS,” Cheryl T. Williams said.

Williams is the HIV program manager at DOH-Leon.

“Testing events like the one planned later this month are powerful examples of what can be achieved when the public and private sector come together in response to HIV/AIDS," she said. "Not only will thousands have access to free and confidential testing in a familiar and trusted location in their neighborhoods, but the very act of offering the tests in various areas helps to normalize HIV testing as a part of routine health care.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all individuals 13-64 years old be tested for HIV at least once during their lifetime, and persons at increased risk for HIV infection be tested at least annually.

In Leon County, DOH-Leon, Big Bend Cares, Neighborhood Medical Center and Bond Community Health are among those that offer free and confidential HIV testing.

Testing is also available through doctor’s offices and other health care facilities.

With early diagnosis, HIV-positive individuals can begin appropriate treatment and care resulting in better health outcomes.

Health officials continue to encourage HIV-negative individuals to reduce the chance of contracting HIV by using condoms, limiting the number of sexual partners they have and talking with sexual partners about prevention strategies.

In addition, DOH-Leon offers Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to HIV-negative men and women. PrEP can reduce the chance of acquiring HIV by more than 90 percent if taken as instructed.

Because PrEP is still not 100-percent effective, however, PrEP should still be used in conjunction with condoms and other prevention strategies.

For more information on locations where PrEP is offered, visit https://preplocator.org .

For more information on HIV prevention or to schedule a free and confidential HIV test, call DOH-Leon at 606-8264.