Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson to host free HIV Testing event to observe National HIV Testing Day
MIAMI, FL – In observance of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), Monday, June 27, 2016, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) and other elected officials will take confidential HIV tests and encourage the public to join them in taking the test. Free HIV testing will be available on Monday, June 27, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at six locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
“Miami-Dade and Broward counties have the highest number of new HIV cases in the country. We have to end the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS so that we can end the spread, and it all starts with taking the test,” said Congress-woman Wilson. “We cannot continue to ignore the problem and think that it will go away. HIV/AIDS robs our communities of talent and productivity. The best way to fight the spread of the disease is to get tested, know your status, and get the treatment you need if you are HIV positive.”
Congresswoman Wilson sponsored several bills to boost HIV/AIDS education and awareness throughout her career in public service. This year marks the 14th anniversary of a bill she sponsored in the Florida legislature to mandate HIV testing for prisoners upon their release from Florida prisons. The purpose of the bill was to confirm prisoners’ HIV status as they re-enter society and connect them to care if they were positive for HIV.
Congresswoman Wilson will take the test and deliver re-marks at a press conference at 10 a.m., at Frederica Wilson and Juanita Mann Health Center, 2520 N.W. 75 St., Miami, Fla. Also joining Congresswoman Wilson to take the test are State Representatives Cynthia Stafford (D-109) and Daphne Campbell (D-108), and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Audrey M. Edmonson. Congresswoman Wilson and other elected officials will visit the six testing sites throughout the day.
Free, confidential HIV testing will be available at the following locations:
- Frederica Wilson and Juanita Mann Health Center, 2520 N.W. 75 St., Miami, Fla.
- Borinquen Health Care Center, 3601 N.E. Fourth Ct., Miami, Fla.
- Center For Haitian Studies, 8260 N.E. Second Ave., Miami, Fla.
- Jessie Trice Community Health Center, 4692 N.W. 183 St., Miami Gardens, Fla.
- Koinonia Worship Center, 4900 Hallandale Beach Blvd., West Park, Fla.
- New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, 1469 N.W. 36 St., Miami, Fla.
The purpose of NHTD is to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and promote HIV testing. According to the CDC, one in eight people living with HIV in the United States is unaware that they have the disease. Miami-Dade and Broward were Nos. one and two in the U.S. in new HIV infections in 2014 per 100,000 residents, according to state and federal data. This understates the importance of getting tested and knowing your status.
