In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, the Florida Department of Health in Martin County (DOH-Martin) is partnering with Greater Than AIDS and Walgreens stores to provide free HIV testing on Monday, June 27.

The DOH-Martin team will provide free HIV tests and counseling at the Walgreens store located at 3180 SE Federal Highway in Stuart. No appointment is needed.  Visit, https://www.greaterthan.org/free-testing-nhtd-2022/ to find additional testing locations.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 13% of the estimated 1.2 million living with HIV today are not aware of their status. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital to preserving health and preventing transmission.

HIV-negative individuals are encouraged to reduce the chance of contracting HIV by using prevention strategies. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication is available through DOH-Martin. PrEP is a once-daily pill that can reduce the chance of acquiring HIV in HIV-negative individuals. PrEP should be used in conjunction with other prevention methods like condoms to reduce the chance of infection.