ORLANDO – In honor of National HIV Testing Day on June 27, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County’s Area 7 HIV/AIDS Program Office, in collaboration with community partners, will host testing events.
This annual testing day highlights the importance of getting tested and knowing your status in order to begin appropriate treatment and care. 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.
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.
Here are the free and confidential HIV testing events scheduled:
June 1, 2023
The Double Tree Orlando at Seaworld
10100 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
June 2, 2023
DoubleTree Orlando at Seaworld
10100 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
June 3, 2023
DoubleTree Orlando at Seaworld
10100 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
June 4, 2023
DoubleTree Orlando at Seaworld
10100 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
June 16, 2023
Mexican Consulate, 2550 Technology Drive, Orlando 32804
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
According to available data, Orange County remains in the Top 10 for counties in Florida with the highest HIV diagnosis from 2016-2020. HIV-negative individuals are encouraged to reduce the chance of contracting HIV by using prevention strategies.
Part of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County’s strategic efforts to eliminate HIV in Florida, the Department offers Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication. For information on the program, clinic hours, and what to expect during your first visit, please call the Department’s clinic at 407-858-1437.
Florida residents can request a free at-home HIV testing kit and locate HIV counseling and referral sites by visiting www.talktestcfl.com. For more information, call the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-FLA-AIDS or 1-800-352-2437; En Español, 1-800-545-SIDA; In Creole, 1-800-AIDS-101. To chat with a live counselor at the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline, visit www.211bigbend.org/flhivaidshotline.
