Ocala, Fla. — Each year on December 1, World AIDS Day is observed around the globe, serving as a memorial for those lost to HIV and as an opportunity to make people aware of enhanced HIV prevention and treatment options. 

This year’s World AIDS Day theme is “Putting Ourselves to the Test: Achieving Equity to End HIV," which encourages people to unite globally to eliminate the barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment that are holding back progress on ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 

On Thursday, December 1, 2022, the Florida Department of Health in Marion County (DOH-Marion) will do its part to help dismantle barriers by visiting the Paddock Mall, 3100 SW College Rd. in Ocala, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to provide the public with information about locally available HIV/AIDS testing, prevention, and treatment options. DOH-Marion provides ongoing services at our main office, 1801 SE 32nd Ave., Ocala, for free or at a reduced cost based on income. 

Florida has made great strides to reduce HIV transmission and continues to work toward eliminating HIV-related deaths by providing equitable access to HIV prevention and care services. The rate of HIV deaths among all persons diagnosed with HIV in Florida has declined by 31% over the last decade. The rates of those testing positive for HIV or AIDS in Marion County have also steadily declined over the past two decades, but there is still more progress to be made. In Marion County, there were 1,160 people living with HIV in 2021. 

Because of advances in medicine over the past 40 years, HIV can be managed through prevention and treatment. It is important that people know their options when it comes to HIV prevention and treatment. Medication-based HIV prevention—called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP—and HIV treatment are both based around antiretroviral therapy. Until recently, these medications were only available in pill form. Now, HIV prevention and treatment has evolved to include long-acting injectables. These medications are as effective as daily pills and provide individuals with additional options. Ensuring every single person has an HIV prevention or treatment option that works for them is key to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Testing and knowing one’s HIV status is important for both prevention and treatment, which will help our community prevent HIV transmission and new diagnoses. 

DOH-Marion offers free HIV testing Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at our main office. Those interested can make appointments and obtain information regarding preventative care and treatment by calling 352-644-2667. 

Protect yourself. Get tested. Know your status. Learn what’s next.

Knowing your status is the first step toward effective HIV prevention and treatment. People can reduce their risk for HIV by using appropriate prevention strategies, such as taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), using protection, and getting tested regularly. Contact a health care provider to find out if PrEP is recommended for you.

If you test positive for HIV, seeking HIV treatment is critical. Antiretroviral therapy can help people live longer, healthier lives. People living with HIV who take antiretroviral medication as prescribed and have an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Both PrEP and HIV treatment medications are now available as pills and long-acting injectables.

We have the power to both prevent and treat HIV. Visit the Know Your HIV Status website to learn about testing options near you or order a free at-home HIV testing kit mailed directly to the address of your choice. For more information, call 1-800-FLA-AIDS, or 1-800-352-2437; en español, 1-800-545-SIDA; in Creole, 1-800-AIDS-101. 

To learn more about DOH-Marion’s prevention and treatment options or to schedule an appointment for a no-cost HIV test, call 352-644-2667 or visit the DOH-Marion webpage. 

About the Florida Department of Health 

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.