Panama City, FL—National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is observed each year on June 27 to encourage people to be aware of their HIV status so that they can take control of their health. This year’s NHTD theme, “My Test, My Way,” highlights that there are many options available when it comes to HIV testing. The Florida Department of Health joins community partners around the state to help provide all Floridians access to the right tools for learning their HIV status and staying healthy.

In 2019, 4,584 people were diagnosed with HIV in Florida. At the end of that year, 116,689 Floridians were confirmed to be living with HIV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that an additional 18,200 Floridians were living with HIV but unaware of it.

Everyone ages 13–64 should get tested at least once, and some people should get tested more often. Knowing your HIV status is only the beginning. What you do to stay healthy after that largely depends on your results. Earlier diagnosis of HIV leads to more successful treatment, so getting tested and learning your HIV status is crucial to your health.

If you missed an opportunity to get tested for HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic, NHTD offers a good reminder to get caught up. HIV shares many symptoms with other viral infections, like COVID-19, so if you have felt ill at any point during the last year, it is important to talk to your health care provider.

Knowing your status is the first step toward effective HIV prevention. People living with HIV who take antiretroviral medication as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. People without HIV should talk to a health care provider to determine appropriate prevention strategies, which might include taking PrEP, using condoms and/or getting retested regularly.

“There are so many ways to get tested for HIV either at home, at the doctor’s office or at a local Health Department. No matter your result, there are options to help you stay healthy.” Said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, Administrator and Health Officer, Florida Department of Health in Bay County.

Observe NHTD with us!

The Florida Department of Health in Bay County will be hosting the following events:

Date: 6/27/21 – Bay County

Event Activities: Rapid HIV/Hep-C Testing, Incentives, information, At-Home Test Kits, and Covid-19 vaccinations. Event is hosted by – Drag Me to Brunch of Bay County – National HIV Testing Day

Address: House of Henry Irish Pub - 461 Harrison Ave, Panama City, FL 32401

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Date:  6/28/21 – Jackson County

Event Activities: Rapid HIV/Hep-C Testing, Incentives, information, and At-Home Test Kits

Address:  Winn-Dixie - 4478 Market Street, Marianna, FL 32446

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Date:  6/29/21 – Bay County

Event Activities: Rapid HIV/Hep-C Testing, Incentives, information, and At-Home Test Kits

Address: Grocery Outlet Callaway – 225 S. Tyndall Parkway, Panama City, FL 32404

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Protect yourself. Get tested. Know your status. Learn what’s next.

We have the power to both prevent and treat HIV. For more information, call 850-872-4455 or 1-800-FLA-AIDS or visit or KnowYourHIVStatus.com.

About the Florida Department of Health

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