Free HIV Tests On Wednesday In Miami

MIAMI, FL — "Test Your Way. Do It Today" is the theme of this year's National HIV Testing Day. Miamians can get a free HIV test on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Walgreens located at 1695 NW 20th St. in Miami. Testing includes HIV, STD and Hepatitis C.

“Knowing your status is the first step towards taking control of your health," explained Lillian Rivera, who serves as administrator and health officer of the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County.

"We encourage individuals to get tested. Early access to HIV care prevents serious damage to a patient’s immune system and allows patients to live much longer, healthier lives,” Rivera added.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone between 13–64 be tested for HIV at least once during their lifetime, and persons at increased risk for HIV infection be tested at least every year.

Florida has more than 1,400 registered HIV test sites, including each county health department and other community-based organizations that provide 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," according to the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County. "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.

Florida Health officials are hoping to make Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication available at no cost at all 67 county health departments 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.

Find a PrEP provider near you with the department’s PrEP Providers List.

You can locate HIV counseling, testing and referral sites by visiting www.KnowYourHIVStatus.com or texting ‘FLHIV’ to 898211.

For more information, call the Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline at 1-800-FLA-AIDS or 800-352-2437;
en Español, 800-545-SIDA; In Creole, 800-AIDS-101. To chat with a live counselor at the
Florida HIV/AIDS Hotline, visit www.211bigbend.org/flhivaidshotline.

In Miami-Dade County, visit www.TESTMiami.org or call 305-643-7420.

Photo courtesy Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County