Each year on Dec. 1, people around the world observe World AIDS Day. This day provides an opportunity to show solidarity for those affected by HIV and memorialize those who have lost their lives to the disease.

This year’s national World AIDS Day theme is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV”, an encouragement for people to unite to eliminate the disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and access to HIV care.

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County (DOH-Lee) and community partners will be collaborating to host two community events to raise awareness for World AIDS Day on Dec. 1:

John the Apostle Metropolitan Community Church

• Free condoms and an opportunity to learn more about HIV/AIDS

Operation PAR

• Free condoms and an opportunity to learn more about HIV/AIDS

DOH-Lee also offers routine HIV/STD testing by appointment or walk-in. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 239-461-6100.

Protect yourself. Get tested. Know your status. Learn what is next.

Knowing your status is the first step toward effective HIV prevention and living a healthy and long life. People can reduce their risk for HIV by using appropriate prevention strategies, such as taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), using protection, and getting tested regularly. Contact a health care provider to find out if PrEP is recommended for you. Additionally, people living with HIV who take antiretroviral medication as prescribed and have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners.

We have the power to both prevent and treat HIV. For more information, call 1-239-461-6100 or 1-800-FLA-AIDS or visit the DOH-Lee HIV/AIDS web page or www.KnowYourHIVStatus.com.

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 Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.