Getting to zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero AIDS related deaths. Zero discrimination. 

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County (DOH-Collier) recognizes December 1st as World AIDS Day. Every 9½ minutes, someone becomes infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with the HIV infection, an estimated 47,352 are newly infected each year, and at least 12.8% of these individuals are unaware that they are HIV-positive. Due to these alarming statistics, on this upcoming December 1st, DOH-Collier is encouraging everyone to know their status and take a FREE HIV test.

In 2013, Florida had the highest number of newly diagnosed HIV cases among the 50 states with 5,377 new reports. HIV/AIDS has also had an impact in Collier County where we have witnessed the infections of over 1,690 of our residents. 1,500 of those residents are between the ages of 20 and 59. The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 14 and 64 take an HIV test at least once a year. Whether we realize it or not, HIV/AIDS is in our neighborhoods and affects all of us here.

DOH-Collier is proud to sponsor the following FREE events celebrating World AIDS Day 2015 from November 30th through December 4th. All of the sites will be offering FREE HIV testing.

For more information about these events, please contact:

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