Knowledge is power. Knowledge is life. And in South Florida, a hotspot for new HIV infections, knowledge is life-saving.
This Saturday, June 22, the Black AIDS Advisory Group of Broward County (BAAG) and Broward County Health Department are holding an event with the tagline “Take the Test & The Next Step.”
Free testing will be offered at the Old Dillard Museum at 1009 NW 4th St. in Fort Lauderdale. There will also be entertainment, food, and giveaways.
“We are committed to increasing the level of access and education to HIV prevention and treatment services to diverse populations within our community, and HIV testing is such an important step,” said BAAG Community Co-Chair James Lewis. “We encourage everyone to come out this Saturday for free testing […] and a good time.”
The event is presented by Gilead Sciences, and runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is in recognition of National HIV Testing Day, which officially is June 27.
Bettina Bauer, Vice President, US HIV Treatment and Prevention at Gilead Sciences, says testing is key to getting treatment and preventing new infections.
“HIV testing is the only way to know one’s HIV status and a critical tool in helping to end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere, which we are constantly working toward together with the community. We will continue our robust support of community organizations serving those most impacted by HIV to help improve health equity and reduce stigma.”
The rate of HIV diagnoses in Broward County is 50% higher than the rest of the state. Statistics show gay and bisexual men are the hardest hit, making up more than 70% of all cases in Fort Lauderdale.
