FORT WALTON BEACH — The Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County is observing World AIDS Day Dec. 1.
The annual observance and provides an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first global health day, held for the first time in 1988.
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reports that Florida had 5,377 new diagnoses of HIV infection in 2013, topping California (5,334), Texas (4,854), and New York (3,803).
"The CDC data shows us that HIV has not disappeared and that it's still a threat to Floridians," stated DOH-Okaloosa Director Karen A. Chapman. "World AIDS Day is a great opportunity for the public to start thinking of ways they can protect themselves against this serious but manageable disease."
The health department, offers free, confidential HIV testing weekdays during regular clinic hours. DOH-Okaloosa also offers counseling and educational services to help individuals understand their risks.
The Ryan White Part B Clinic, offers primary medical care for individuals that are HIV-positive. For more information about clinic hours or available services, visit http://bit.ly/1XtcSiq.
New advances in medications have helped prevent at-risk individuals from getting HIV. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/1QQt74G or www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html. Talk to your primary care provider to see if these medications are right for you.
For more information about World AIDS Day, visit www.WorldAIDSDay.org.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Department of Health observes World AIDS Day Dec. 1