Media Release

This press release put out at the request of the Alachua County Health Department.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Alachua County Health Department informs residents of World AIDS Day (December 1st).

World AIDS Day was established by the World Health Organization in 1988 to raise awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.  The theme for this year continues to be “Universal Access and Human Rights”  ensuring that everyone has access to HIV prevention, treatment and care, recognizing these as basic human rights.  CDC recommends “that all Americans age 13-64 years be tested for HIV at least once, regardless of perceived risk for infection.”  

Florida ranks third nationally in total adult and adolescent HIV/AIDS cases while second in the number of pediatric HIV/AIDS cases. 

HIV has not gone away and is still a threat that affects men, women and children.  Every nine-and-a-half minutes someone in the United States becomes infected with HIV, this means approximately 56,300 new infections each year. HIV can still be preventable but estimates are that 1 in 5 of the more than one million people in this country living with HIV is not aware of their HIV status.  Getting tested and knowing your HIV status is an important step in preventing HIV. 

The Alachua County Health Department supports this vital health initiative and encourages community-based organizations, local health departments and health care providers to help stop the spread of HIV.

To find a testing site near you, text your zip code to 477493 or visit http://www.wemakethechange.com/.

General media inquiries should be directed to Bobby Davis at 352-334-7964

For more information, click here or call 352-334-7960.

The goal of the Alachua County Health Department is to promote, protect, maintain and improve the health and safety of all citizens and visitors.