In recognition of World AIDS Day on December 1, the Florida Department of Health in Martin County will offer free testing for HIV, STDs and Hepatitis C.

World AIDS Day is observed each year on December 1 and is an opportunity for people worldwide to learn about and unite in the fight against HIV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than one million people are living with HIV and about 1 in 8 do not know it.

In addition to HIV testing, Health Department staff will offer free testing and counseling for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia and Hepatitis C on Friday, December 1 from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at 3441 SE Willoughby Blvd. Stuart. Test results for HIV and Hepatitis C will be available within twenty minutes. No appointment is needed.

Hepatitis C is a liver disease. People can live with hepatitis C for decades without symptoms. Hepatitis C is spread when blood from a person infected with hepatitis C enters the body of someone who is not infected. Treatment methods vary, so getting tested is the first step to recovery.