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National HIV Testing Day 2018

 June 27, 2018 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Event Location

Main Health Department
1105 E. Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33602

Price: Free

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) recognizes June 27 as National HIV Testing Day. This year’s theme is “Test Your Way. Do It Today,” which serves as a reminder that HIV testing has never been more convenient because there are more ways than ever to get tested.

“Some people avoid getting tested because they are afraid of testing HIV positive,” said Human Services Program Director James Roth. “What many do not know is that with the right medication, HIV can become undetectable in lab tests. If HIV is undetectable for six months, it becomes untransmittable.”

Disease Control Division Director Carlos Mercado adds, “in the United States, one in seven people are infected with HIV and do not know it, causing about 50 percent of all new HIV infections. There are many locations in Hillsborough County where people can go and get tested. Don’t delay!”

DOH-Hillsborough will be providing free HIV testing for people 13 years old and older on June 27, at our downtown Specialty Care Center from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The clinic is located at 1105 E. Kennedy Blvd. in Tampa.

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. “Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing, perhaps every three to six months,” Roth adds.

Florida remains a national leader in HIV testing, with more than 1,400 registered HIV test sites (including each county health department and community-based organizations) which provide high-quality, confidential testing services at low or no cost. Last year, more than 340,000 HIV tests were conducted through Florida’s registered HIV test sites. Testing is also available through doctor’s offices and other health care facilities.

With early diagnosis, individuals can begin appropriate treatment and care resulting in better health outcomes. Studies have shown that providing antiretroviral therapy as early as possible after diagnosis improves a patient’s health, reduces transmission, and can eventually lead to undetectable HIV viral loads.

HIV-negative individuals are encouraged to reduce the chance of contracting HIV by using prevention strategies. As part of our strategic efforts to eliminate HIV in Florida, the Department is working to make Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication available at no cost at all 67 CHDs by the end of this year. PrEP is a once-daily pill that can reduce the chance of acquiring HIV in HIV-negative individuals. PrEP should be used in conjunction with other prevention methods like condoms to reduce the chance of infection. According to CDC, taking PrEP daily reduces the chance of getting HIV by more than 90 percent.

PrEP is available at our Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic at the University Area Community Health Center at 13601 N. 22nd Street, Tampa, FL 33613. Patients can be provided with up to a 90-day supply of medications.

  • Schedule

Event Starts: 7:00 AM

Event Ends: 3:00 PM