Media Release

4:57 p.m.

 

ALACHUA COUNTY - The Alachua County Health Department will recognize National Latino AIDS Awareness Day on Monday, October 15, 2007 by conducting free, confidential HIV and STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) testing for anyone who wishes to attend a special evening clinic that day from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Health Department main clinical site, 224 SE 24th St., Gainesville.

 

One feature of this clinic will be the use of the OraQuick Advance finger stick test for HIV. The results will be ready in 20 minutes from the time of the test. In order to expedite the testing, appointments will be taken by calling (352) 334-7960. However, walk-in testing will be offered as well.

 

Health Department Director Tom Belcuore advised that taking advantage of this type of testing program has positive effects for individuals and their community. "Part of the danger of HIV comes from those that unknowingly have the virus and can unknowingly transmit it to others. We wish to give the population at risk an opportunity to take control by taking this test."

 

For more information regarding the special clinic, call (352) 334-7960.  Media inquiries should be addressed to Bobby Davis at (352) 334-7964.

 

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