Miami, Fla. – Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County unites with people and communities worldwide on December 1^st to observe World AIDS Day, by showing support for people living with HIV and honoring those we have lost. The theme for the 2021 observance is “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice”. 

Ending HIV in Florida requires the collective effort of all Floridians and knowing your HIV status is the first step. Your HIV status determines the prevention or care options that are right for you. Florida is a national leader in HIV testing, and there are many ways to get tested. Visit www.testmiami.org to order a free at-home test kit or to learn about testing providers in your area.

It is crucial that people diagnosed with HIV begin treatment as soon as possible. Immediate treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) typically leads to long, healthy lives for people with HIV. It’s also a method of HIV prevention. ART reduces the amount of HIV in the body, which makes it harder to transmit to others.

There are more tools available than ever to prevent HIV. A health care provider can help you determine appropriate next steps, which might include taking PrEP, regular testing and using condoms to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.   

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and community partners will be collaborating to host numerous community events to raise awareness, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those we have lost to AIDS.  Please visit www.testmiami.org to see a list of events for World AIDS Day.   

For more information, call the Florida AIDS Hotline at 1-800-FLA-AIDS or 1-800-352-2437; En Espanol, 1-800-545-SIDA; In Creole, 1-800-AIDS-101.