The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County join with others on World AIDS Day in remembrance of those who lost their lives, living with or affected by HIV.  Today, we renew our commitment to stopping the spread of HIV. 

“This day provides, each an opportunity to address the disparities, stigma, and to spark dialogue about stopping the spread among all populations. Communities can observe World AIDS Day by becoming educated about HIV/AIDS; getting tested and knowing your personal status; encourage partners, family, friends, co-workers, and church members to know their status; breaking the silence and starting the dialogue about HIV/AIDS where they live, work, play, learn and worship; and engaging in healthy behaviors that prevent the spread,” said Clint Sperber, Health Officer and Administrator for the Department of Health in St. Lucie. 

More than 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV infection and 1 in 8 of them don’t know it.  As of 10/31/2016 Florida had recorded 114,256 presumed living HIV/AIDS cases with 1,617 living in St. Lucie County (Florida Health, Disease Control, November 2016 Monthly Surveillance report).

“Through advocacy, partnerships and collaboration tremendous progress has been made in addressing the needs of the community.  As we continue our commitment to our community, we extend a personal invitation to the residents of St. Lucie County to join us in Stopping The Spread of HIV by “Passing The Message, Not The Disease,” said Dawn Jones, Area 15 – HIV/AIDS Program Director.

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.

For more information and to find a local HIV testing site near you, visit www.AIDS.gov.