Miami, Fla. – Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County unites with people and communities worldwide as we observe World AIDS Day by showing support for people living with HIV and honoring those who have died from AIDS-related illness.  This year’s theme is “Increasing Impact Through Transparency, Accountability, and Partnerships.”

“We encourage individuals to unite in the fight against HIV, create awareness, and get tested for HIV,” stated Dr. Lillian Rivera, RN, MSN, PhD, Health Officer of the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County. “Getting tested and treated can save your life and prevent new infections.”

Over 1.1 million people in the US are living with HIV, and 1 in 7 of them don’t know it. The department remains fully committed to fighting the spread of HIV in Miami-Dade County and helping connect individuals who are positive with lifesaving treatment and services.

In recognition of World AIDS Day, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County will host 3 events:

Date: December 1, 2017

Event:  An Evening of Reflection:  AIDS Through the Decades

View exhibits from the World AIDS Museum, learn about how Miami-Dade County is responding to the epidemic, and listen to stories from those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.  Food trucks will be available on site.

Address:  Bakehouse Art Complex: 561 NW 32nd St, Miami, FL 33127

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Date:  December 5, 2017

Event: Take the Train…Take the Test at Government Center

STD and HIV Testing

Address:  Government Center Metrorail Station:  101 NW 1^st St, Miami, FL 33128

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

Date:  December 8, 2017

Event: Testing on Biscayne Blvd

STD and HIV Testing

Address:  NE 15^th Street between Biscayne Blvd and NE 2^nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132 

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and community partners such as Care Resource, Clear Health Alliance, University of Miami’s CHAMP Project, Office of Community Advocacy, Pridelines, Jessie Trice Community Health Centers, Inc., Florida International University, Borinquen, Latinos Salud, HOPE, Inc., Community AIDS Network, Empower “U”, Inc., University of Miami Health System, 1 Billion Rising, Westcare, Community Health of South Florida, Inc., AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Gilead 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. 

For more information, please visit www.flhealth.gov and www.testmiami.org or contact the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County’s HIV/AIDS Program at 305-643-7420 or the Florida AIDS Hotline at 1-800-FLA-AIDS or 1-800-352-2437; En Español, 1-800-545-SIDA; In Creole, 1-800-AIDS-101.

To locate HIV counseling, testing and referral sites visit www.KnowYourHIVStatus.com or text your zip code to 477493.