Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov

Orlando, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) unites with people worldwide by observing World AIDS Day on December 1, 2020. It is a day that we support people living with HIV and honor those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

The theme of World AIDS Day 2020 is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact,” and the goal is to bring attention to the HIV epidemic and call for an increased response to move toward Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America.

Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV today. About 14 percent of them (1 in 7) don’t know it and need testing. DOH-Orange remains fully committed to fighting the spread of HIV in Florida and helping connect individuals who are positive with lifesaving treatment and services.

DOH-Orange encourages those who are sexually active to “Know your Status” by getting tested. Currently, DOH-Orange is offering FREE At-Home HIV test kits. Individuals can request a kit at the Talk Test Treat Central Florida website (https://talktestcfl.com/).  Individuals seeking anonymous and confidential HIV testing, counseling, and services can call DOH-Orange at 407-858-1437. With early diagnosis, individuals can begin appropriate treatment and care resulting in better health outcomes.

Local World AIDS Day events:

Dec. 1, 2020 –          Sedano’s Supermarket 10am-3pm

5660 Curry Ford Road, Orlando 32822

Dec. 3, 2020 –          Iglesia Misionera una Nueva Esperanza en Cristo Jesus 10am-3pm

2921 S. Orlando Drive #210, Sanford 32773

Dec. 4, 2020 –          Bravo’s Supermarket 10am-3pm

999 N. Semoran Blvd., Orlando 32807

As part of the department’s efforts to eliminate HIV in Florida, DOH-Orange offers the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication. PrEP is a once-daily pill that can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV in HIV-negative individuals. PrEP should be used in conjunction with other prevention methods like condoms to reduce the risk of infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), taking PrEP daily reduces the risk of getting HIV by more than 90 percent when taken as prescribed.

If you are sexually active, PrEP may be an option for you. Speak to your medical provider. For further information on the PrEP services offered by DOH-Orange, call the STD Clinic at 407-723-4170.

Although the prescription is free, the comprehensive evaluation does have a fee. A sliding fee scale has been established and is based on income eligibility. For other PrEP locations in Central Florida, please visit https://preplocator.org/.

For more information, call the Florida AIDS Hotline at 1-800-FLA-AIDS or 1-800-352-2437; En Espanol, 1-800-545-SIDA; In Creole, 1-800-AIDS-101.

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.