FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2023

Contact:

Alison Kerr

Florida Department of Health - Monroe County

Alison.Kerr@flhealth.gov

305-619-8087

DOH-Monroe Recognizes National HIV Testing Day 2023

(Monroe County, Fla.) – June 27^th commemorates National HIV Testing Day, an annual observance highlighting the importance of HIV testing. This year’s theme is “Take the Test and Take the Next Step,” which emphasizes that knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy. The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) encourages everyone to take the opportunity to get tested and learn about available HIV treatment and prevention options.

Studies have shown that providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) as early as possible after diagnosis improves a patient’s health, reduces transmission, and can eventually lead to undetectable HIV viral loads. People can reduce their risk for HIV by using appropriate prevention strategies, such as taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), using protection, and getting tested regularly.

HIV prevention and treatment starts with knowing your status, which means getting tested. Everyone ages 13–64 should get tested at least once, and some people should get tested more often. Knowing your HIV status is Self-Care. Taking the Test is the first step toward effective HIV prevention and taking care of yourself. Talk to your health care provider to determine appropriate HIV prevention strategies: Using condoms, taking PrEP and/or getting tested regularly.

DOH-Monroe offers routine HIV testing by appointment or walk-in as well as PrEP services by appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call DOH-Monroe at 305-293-7500.

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, Walgreens will host a free and confidential HIV testing events in partnership with the Guidance Care Center and AH Monroe at:

Observe National HIV Testing Day. Visit these Walgreens locations for a free HIV Rapid Test and www.testflkeys.org to request a free In-Home HIV Test Kit.

Protect yourself. Get tested. Know your status. Learn what is next.

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

National HIV Testing Day 2023 Walgreens Locations Flyer