Florida has been heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The state continues to rank third in the nation in the cumulative number of AIDS cases and second in the nation in the cumulative number of HIV cases.
The Florida Department of Health in Bay County’s HIV/AIDS Program has developed a comprehensive program for preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and for providing care and treatment to those already infected. This comprehensive approach includes HIV surveillance, education, prevention, counseling, testing, care, and treatment.
Know Your Status
View locations near you for testing, counseling, and referrals.
PreP and PEP Locator
Find locations near you that can provide pre and post-exposure prophylaxis.
HIV/AIDS Data & Statistics
HIV staff and partners use these data and trends to plan, carry out, and assess HIV programs statewide.
Central Panhandle AIDS Network
The Central Panhandle AIDS Network has monthly Consortium meetings that address prevention and patient care issues within Area 2A, which includes Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington Counties.
AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP/Premium Plus)
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) is a statewide, federally funded prescription medication program for low-income people living with HIV. This program provides medications to uninsured or underinsured individuals living with HIV. Services are provided through the distribution of medication directly to eligible clients or by purchase of health insurance that includes coverage for HIV/AIDS medications. Call 850-872-4455 to make an appointment to enroll or for a medication pickup.
Eligibility:
- Need HIV/AIDS prescriptions
- Have income at 400% or less of the Federal Poverty Level
- Are uninsured or do not have adequate prescription coverage
- Are not confined to a hospital, nursing home, hospice, or correctional facility
Education
Classes are provided to any interested group who would like HIV prevention education for their church, civic, or community group. They are tailored to the needs of your specific population. Certification classes required to maintain health care and other professional licenses are available, usually on the first Thursday of each month. Contact us for details.
Special classes are available to train volunteers and professionals to do HIV/AIDS counseling and testing. These are held at the health department or at other locations throughout the surrounding six counties.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Events
There are several National HIV/AIDS Awareness Days throughout the year. DOH-Bay partners with community organizations, churches and individuals to recognize and commemorate these days through gatherings, special events and health fairs.
DOH-Bay HIV/AIDS specialists are available to provide HIV and Hepatitis-C testing at your event or organization. If interested, please contact us at 850-872-4455.
Have you just found out that you are HIV positive?
You may feel scared or upset first, but now that you know you are HIV positive, you have the ability to control what happens next.
Living with HIV isn’t like it used to be. Being treated for HIV leads to feeling well and living a full, productive and healthy life. Some things may have to change; however, you may find that embracing the changes can improve your life. Visit BasicNWFL.com to learn about the many HIV and AIDS service programs available in Northwest Florida. These programs provide a wide variety of services to assist you in living with HIV.