The Florida Department of Health in Orange County is offering free, confidential tests for National HIV Testing Day, which is Saturday.
The theme of this year's campaign is "Getting to Zero," which summarizes the department’s goal for zero new HIV infections, zero deaths from AIDS-related illnesses and zero discrimination.
"Testing is very important because many people who are living with HIV are unaware of it," said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. "Not knowing your status could be as dangerous as Russian roulette. Routine HIV testing protects individuals, partners and the community’s health."
In Orange County, HIV testing will be offered starting Thursday, June 25, and will be available at the following locations:
Thursday, June 25:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Walgreens at 408 E. Michigan St., Orlando
- Walgreens at 1111 W. Vine St., Kissimmee
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Walgreens at 2501 S. French Ave., Sanford
Friday, June 26:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Community Food and Outreach Center at 150 W. Michigan St., Orlando
- Walgreens at 2814 W. Kennedy Blvd., Orlando
- Walgreens at 5185 N. Lane, Orlando
Saturday, June 27:
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Walgreens at Colonial Drive and Bumby Avenue
There will be a block party from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 27, at the Pleasant View Baptist Church, which is located at 1202 Central Ave., in Apopka.
The Florida Department of Health estimates that approximately 130,000 individuals are living with HIV in Florida. If people are unaware of their HIV status, they are not getting the treatment they need to stay healthy and may pass the virus on to others without knowing it.
For more information on National HIV Testing Day, go here.