Bay County, Fla. – June 27^th commemorates National HIV Testing Day, an annual observance highlighting the importance of HIV testing. This year’s theme is “Take the Test and Take the Next Step,” which emphasizes that knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy. The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) encourages everyone to take the opportunity to get tested and learn about available HIV treatment and prevention options.

Studies have shown that providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) as early as possible after diagnosis improves a patient’s health, reduces transmission, and can eventually lead to undetectable HIV viral loads. 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.

HIV prevention and treatment starts with knowing your status, which means getting tested. DOH-Bay offers routine HIV testing by appointment or walk-in as well as PrEP services by appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call DOH-Bay at (850) 872-4455.

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, DOH-Bay will offer free and confidential HIV testing on the following days and times:

June 26:

            Piggly Wiggly Supermarket
              911 N Waukesha St.
                 Bonifay, FL 32425
                Hours: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

June 27:

        The Bay County Public Library                       
               840 W 11^th Street                                                 
            Panama City, FL 32401                                           
            Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.                                           

      Florida Department of Health in Bay County
                   597 W 11th Street
                 Panama City, FL 32401
                  Hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

June 28: 

            Twin Palms Plaza
            210 Monument Ave.
            Port St. Joe, FL 32456
            Hours: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

June 29: 

            Grocery Outlet
            4230 Lafayette St.
          Marianna, FL 32446
         Hours: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. 

June 30: 

            Piggly Wiggly
            1264 Church Ave.
           Chipley, FL 32428
          Hours: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.  

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

We have the power to both prevent and treat HIV. Visit KnowYourHIVStatus.com to learn about testing options in your area or to order a free at-home HIV testing kit mailed directly to the address of your choice. For more information, call 1-800-FLA-AIDS or 1-(800) 352-2437; en español, 1-800-545-SIDA; in Creole, 1-800-AIDS-101.

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

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