The Florida Department of Health in Lee County invites the public to attend its HIV Testing Day event Thursday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at th DOH-Lee office at 83 Pondella Road, North Fort Myers.

DOH-Lee staff will provide educational materials and promotional items and conduct free HIV testing.

Knowing your status is the first step toward effective HIV prevention and treatment. Individuals at risk of contracting HIV 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.

If you test positive for HIV, seeking HIV treatment is critical. Antiretroviral therapy can help people live longer, healthier lives. People living with HIV who take antiretroviral medication as prescribed and have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Both PrEP and HIV treatment medications are now available as pills and long-acting injectables.

DOH-Lee provides routine HIV testing, PrEP, and other HIV-related services as well. For more information about the event or to schedule an appointment, call 239-461-6100.